Matt Fitzpatrick remains on track to end the season as European number one after round two of the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai.
And that despite a stunning finish from closest challenger Rory McIlroy.
After 15 holes, the world number one was one under par before consecutive birdies and an eagle recovered a 68.
That leaves him five under, seven shots behind co-leaders Fitzpatrick and Tyrrell Hatton, with the English shooting five under 67 to go 12 under.
A third win at the season-ending event would see Fitzpatrick, 28, finish top of the standings – and win the ‘Race to Dubai’ – for the first time, unless Northern Ireland’s McIlroy is second .
If Fitzpatrick is second at the Jumeirah Golf Estates, the US Open champion would require McIlroy to finish less than seventh to claim the Harry Vardon Trophy.
Asked what sparked his much-needed finish, McIlroy told Sky Sports: “I’m not sure but whatever it is, I have to bottle it up for the weekend.
“[I played] just about very poor golf for the first 33 holes, then something clicked.
“You never know, that finish could be the key to something that happens over the next 36 holes.”
Hatton held a three-shot lead after starting the second round with three consecutive birdies and landing another shot in the fifth, but playing partner Fitzpatrick fought back.
The pair had three shots clear of the chasing pack, led by Alex Noren and Adri Arnaus, with former world number one Jon Rahm another shot back after a six-under 66.
“Race in Dubai DP World Tour Championship: Matt Fitzpatrick still leads race for European number one title wasn’t something I really thought about,” Fitzpatrick said.
“My goal was just to try and win the event this week and I feel like I played two good rounds to get into position.”
