DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Rory McIlroy was already a heavy favorite to win the European tour’s Race to Dubai title.
He further improved his chances on Thursday.
McIlroy shot 5-under 67 and was tied for the lead with Tyrrell Hatton after the first round of the season-ending World Championship.
A top-10 finish will ensure McIlroy wins the year-long points race – formerly known as the Order of Merit – for the sixth time, tied with the late Seve Ballesteros and two behind Colin’s record Montgomerie.
Thriston Lawrence, the South African who is second in the Race to Dubai standings behind McIlroy, is the only player who can catch the Northern Irishman and opened with a 73, already leaving him six shots behind his rival.
Lawrence has to win – nothing less is good enough – and then McIlroy has to finish tied for 11th or lower.
Paul Waring, winner in Abu Dhabi last week in the first event of the end-of-season playoffs, was alone in third place after a 68.
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AP Golf: https://apnews.com/hub/golf
