Rory McIlroy nears record-tying eighth Race to Dubai title, fourth DP World Tour Championship still in sight

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) – Rory McIlroy had a day to forget at the season-ending DP World Tour Championship on Saturday, ending four shots off the lead and seeing Race to Dubai rival Eugenio Chacarra haul himself back into contention.

Tyrrell Hatton held the lead at the end of the third round after a 4-under 68 to move to 9 under overall, one stroke ahead of Victor Perez (67).

As well as attempting to win the DP World Tour Championship for a fourth time (2012, 2015, 2024), McIlroy is seeking to move past Chacarra in the points list to secure the year-long Race to Dubai title, which crowns the No. 1 player on the DP World Tour.

World No. 2 McIlroy started the day with a share of the 36-hole lead with Hatton. The Northern Irishman had an eagle on the par-5 seventh before four bogeys in an even-par 72, remaining at 5 under and dropping back into a four-way tie for fourth place, including current Race to Dubai leader Chacarra (68).

Chacarra – a 26-year-old Spaniard in his first full season on the DP World Tour – leads McIlroy in the Race to Dubai standings by nearly 534 points. On the table this week are 2,000 points for the winner, 1,335 for second place, 752 for third place and fewer and fewer for the minor places.

“I want to show the world I’m capable to play under pressure, and I think so far I’ve been doing that,” Chacarra said. “I think all of my goals have been done this season. So I’m just playing free. This is an extra bonus to have a chance to win it, and just to enjoy every moment.”

McIlroy is chasing a record-tying eighth Race to Dubai title for his career alongside Colin Montgomerie, who won the award when it was called the Order of Merit.

Patrick Reed, third in the Race to Dubai standings, shot a 5-under 67. That left the American tied for 33rd at 3 over after struggling over the first two days.