Rory McIlroy is closing in on the Race to Dubai title, one-time ahead of the DP World Tour Championship

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – The stage is clear for Rory McIlroy to capture the year-long Race to Dubai title and be crowned the DP World Tour’s best player for the sixth time.

He is also in contention to win the season-ending DP World Tour Championship.

McIlroy hit a fairway wood from 265 yards to 15 feet on No. 18 and two-putted for a closing birdie in his second round on Friday, a 3-under 69, putting the No. 3 ranked Northern Irishman one stroke was away from the lead he held by Frenchman Antoine Rozner (65) at 9 under par.

McIlroy was tied with Tyrrell Hatton (69) for second place in the tournament, but his lead in the year-long Race to Dubai standings appears impregnable.

Thriston Lawrence is the only player who can stop McIlroy from winning that title – and to do that he needs a win at Jumeirah Golf Estates. That seemed unlikely, with a 71 keeping Lawrence level all week and nine at the halfway lead.

Rozner, ranked No. 154, was the surprise leader after making six birdies in an eight-hole stretch from No. 9.

He is among the players looking for a high finish to secure one of the ten PGA Tour cards on offer for next season.