McIlroy one off the lead at World Tour Championship and in good shape to clinch Race to Dubai title

The path is clear for Rory McIlroy to clinch the year-long Race to Dubai title and be crowned the European tour’s best player for a sixth time. McIlroy hit a fairway wood from 265 yards to 15 feet at No. 18 and two-putted for a closing birdie in his second round on Friday, a 3-under 69 leaving the No. 3-ranked Northern Irishman one stroke off the lead held by France’s Antoine Rozner (65) on 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 looks impregnable.

McIlroy one off the lead at World Tour Championship and in good shape to clinch Race to Dubai title

McIlroy one off the lead at World Tour Championship and in good shape to clinch Race to Dubai title

McIlroy one off the lead at World Tour Championship and in good shape to clinch Race to Dubai title

McIlroy one off the lead at World Tour Championship and in good shape to clinch Race to Dubai title

McIlroy one off the lead at World Tour Championship and in good shape to clinch Race to Dubai title