Eugenio Chacarra is looking to do more than just halt Rory McIlroy’s victory to compete in Dubai at the DP World Tour Championship after a strong finish in his third round.
Chacarra entered the week with a 533.93-point lead over McIlroy in the season standings, having won three times this year, only to lose ground with rounds of 72 and 71 over the first two days at Jumeirah Golf Estates.
McIlroy temporarily moved above Chacarra into the predicted top spot as he chases a record eighth Order of Merit title, with the world No 2 also briefly jumping to the top of the table earlier third round stutter 72.
Chacarra birdied nine – including four in his last six holes – to post a four-under 68 and join McIlroy on five under, four shots behind leader Tyrrell Hatton, but the Spaniard remains hopeful of challenging for the tournament win and the ‘Dubai double’.
“A lot of good and a lot of bad,” Chacarra said of his performance. It’s been a fight and I’ve been fighting. I played all year on the DP World Tour and I played a lot.
“I really want to win that ranking, so I want to show the world that I can play under pressure. I think I’ve done that so far.
Eugenio Chacarra is looking to secure the Race to Dubai by winning the DP Tour World Championship
“I just want to win the tournament. I’m not far away. I know if I win the tournament, I win the ranking, so that’s what I wanted to do in Abu Dhabi and I want to do it here.
“That’s what we prepare for and I’ll have a chance on Sunday. That’s what we dream about since I was little is to win big events on Sunday.
“I’m ready. I love the game of golf. I love practicing. I work hard for these moments and I’m going to go out there and enjoy it. Not many people get to enjoy this moment and have a chance to win the Dubai Race.”
A late twist in the Dubai Race battle?
Nine players started the week with a mathematical chance to top the rankings for the season, with South Africa’s Jayden Schaper – needing a win and results to go his way – five shots back and Jon Rahm a further back.
McIlroy needs fourth place or better to have any chance of overtaking Chacarra, who can secure the Order of Merit with victory, with the Spaniard still heading into the final round of the projected Dubai Race rankings.
“There are a number of scenarios that could play out tomorrow,” former Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley. he told Sky Sports. “I don’t think Jon Rahm is out of it yet – I can still see him coming through with a very strong last roll of the dice.
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Sky Sports’ Jamie Weir explains how Rory McIlroy could win the DP World Tour event in Dubai for a record eighth time
“I think Rory (McIlroy) is going to reset and (Eugenio) Chacarra is going to struggle one way or another. I don’t think he’s going to win the tournament, but he’s going to make it really difficult for those guys.
“I think there are a few little things that can be weaved and woven in there. At the moment, it looks like Chacarra is the favorite for the Dubai Race. Rory has dropped a lot off the pace and he will need a big reset now for him tomorrow to really go for it and get a low result.
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Rory McIlroy briefly moved up on Tyrrell Hatton with this superb eagle on the par-five seventh
“McIlroy is still there, or close there, and he’ll reset overnight, so I expect a better Rory to come out tomorrow. If he can hit the fairways, I think the rest of the game will be in good shape.”
Hatton expects ‘difficult day’ in pursuit of Dubai win
Starting the week 12th in the Race to Dubai rankings and a long way from winning the Harry Vardon Trophy, Hatton leads the tournament at nine under – one ahead of France’s Victor Perez – as he looks to wrap up a ninth DP World Tour title.
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Tyrrell Hatton breaks his third round and his hopes of sealing a maiden DP Tour World Championship victory
“It was a good day,” said Hatton, a two-time runner-up at the DP Tour World Championship. “It was tricky – the greens were so fast on the back nine. Every putt I had in I think from the 13th was just unbelievably fast. Really happy with how I went today.
“I know tomorrow is going to be a tough day. I’ve got enough experience on these last few holes to know anything can happen. I’m just going to go out tomorrow and try my best. I know I can play well here and that’s what I’m going to try to do.”
Who will win the race to Dubai? Watch the final day of the DP Tour World Championship live on Sunday from 6.30 on Sky Sports Golf. Get the latest Sky Sports offers OR golf stream and more sports without a contract.
