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Eugenio Chacarra is targeting both the tournament victory and the Race to Dubai title at the DP World Tour Championship after finishing his third round strongly at Jumeirah Golf Estates. Chacarra began the week holding a 533.93-point lead over Rory McIlroy in the season-long standings, having secured three victories this year, though he initially lost ground following opening rounds of 72 and 71.
Chacarra and McIlroy Level After Third Round
McIlroy briefly climbed into the projected top spot in his pursuit of a record-equalling eighth Order of Merit title and held the lead before carding a third-round 72. Chacarra responded by sinking nine birdies, including four across his final six holes, to card a four-under 68. This performance placed him alongside McIlroy at five under par, leaving them four shots behind tournament leader Tyrrell Hatton.
“A lot of good and a lot of bad,” Chacarra told Sky Sports regarding his third round. “It has been a grind and I’ve been fighting. I’ve played all year on DP World Tour and I’ve played a lot.”
“I want to really win that ranking, so I want to show the world I’m capable of playing under pressure. I think, so far, I’ve been doing that,” Chacarra added.
“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’m going to have a chance on Sunday. That’s what we dream of since I was little is to win big events on Sunday.”
“I’m ready. I love the game of golf. I love practising. I work so hard for these moments, and I’m going to go out there and enjoy it. Not a lot of people can enjoy this moment and have a chance to win the Race to Dubai.”
Scenarios and Contenders for Sunday
Nine players entered the week with mathematical chances of securing the season-long standings. South Africa’s Jayden Schaper sits five strokes back, requiring a win and favorable results, while Jon Rahm trails by another shot. McIlroy needs a solo fourth-place finish or better to overtake Chacarra, who remains top of the projected Race to Dubai standings heading into the final round.
Former Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley told Sky Sports, “There’s a number of scenarios that could unfold tomorrow. I don’t think Jon Rahm is not out of it yet – I could still see him coming through with a really strong last throw of the dice.”
“I think Rory [McIlroy] will reset and [Eugenio] Chacarra is going to battle some way or another. I don’t think he’s going to win the tournament, but he’s going to really make it difficult for those guys,” McGinley stated.
“At the moment, it does look like Chacarra is the favourite for the Race to Dubai. Rory has fallen a lot off the pace and it’s going to take a big reset now for him tomorrow to really go at it and shoot a low score.”
Hatton Leads the Field
Tyrrell Hatton started the week 12th in the standings and out of contention for the Harry Vardon Trophy, but he now leads the tournament at nine under par. Holding a one-shot advantage over France’s Victor Perez, Hatton is aiming for his ninth DP World Tour title.
“It was a good day,” said Hatton, a two-time runner-up at the event, as reported by Sky Sports. “It was tricky – the greens were so fast on the back nine. Every putt I had coming in I think from the 13th was just unbelievably fast. Really happy with how I putted today.”
“I know tomorrow is going to be a tough day. I’ve got enough experience down these last few holes to know that anything can happen. I’ll just go out tomorrow and try my best. I know I can play well around here, and that’s what I’ll try to do.”
The final day of the DP World Tour Championship broadcasts live on Sunday starting at 6.30am on Sky Sports Golf.
