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World No. 2 Rory McIlroy faces a challenging final day at the DP World Tour Championship after shooting a 72 on Saturday in Dubai. He now battles for both the tournament victory and the season-long points crown against Eugenio Chacarra.
Championship Standings and Projections
McIlroy aims for a record-tying eighth DPWT season title and a fourth Tour Championship crown. Projections indicate he needs at least a solo fourth-place finish and must finish ahead of Chacarra, with whom he is currently tied after the Spanish golfer carded a 68.
Chacarra entered the week holding the top spot in the standings with a lead of nearly 534 points over McIlroy. A difference of approximately 700 points separates first, second, and third place in the finale, with smaller increments following thereafter.
Third Round Action at Jumeirah Golf Estates
Entering the third round in a share of the lead alongside LIV Golf alumnus Tyrrell Hatton, McIlroy dropped into a four-way tie for second place following four bogeys, an eagle, and three birdies at the Jumeirah Golf Estates. Hatton shot a 68 to claim the solo lead at nine under par, sitting one stroke ahead of Victor Perez who shot 67, three strokes in front of Mikal Lindberg after a 69, and four shots clear of McIlroy, Chacarra, Adam Scott who shot 67, and Francesco Laporta who shot 68.
Chacarra is scheduled to play one group behind McIlroy on Sunday following a strong season that includes three victories, featuring consecutive wins in June and the India Championship last month, propelling him to 37th in the Official World Golf Rankings.
Reflecting on his position, Chacarra stated on Saturday, “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.” He added, “I think all of my goals have been done this season, so I’m just playing free. Not a lot of people can enjoy this moment and have a chance to win the Race to Dubai. So I’m going to have a chance tomorrow, and I’m going to go try and enjoy it as much as possible.”
Hatton Chases Victory
Hatton targets his ninth DPWT victory and his first since claiming the Rolex Series Dubai Desert Classic in January 2025. The English golfer previously experienced controversy during Friday’s second round when he struck the ground multiple times with his putter after missing a putt, and he has twice come close to winning the DPWT Tour Championship.
Hatton remarked, “I’ve been close here a couple of times, had some heartbreak on 18. I think it’s always an exciting finish for the Race to Dubai. It seems like every Sunday at this championship, something can happen.” He further noted, “I’d love to just go out there tomorrow and play a great round of golf. But it’s going to be a tough day tomorrow. I would love to finish the season with a win and I’ll try my best to do that.”
