Andy Sullivan leads Euro Tour finale, McIlroy maintains edge in Race to Dubai
Rory McIlroy doesn’t lead the European Tour’s season-ending DP World Tour Championship in Dubai, but he’s two ahead of Danny Willett, his nearest challenger for the tour’s season-long Race to Dubai points title.
McIlroy shot a second consecutive 4-under 68 on the Earth Course at Jumeirah Golf Estates to trail three-time 2015 winner Andy Sullivan by four shots heading into the weekend.
The Englishman Sullivan duplicated his opening 66 on Friday to lead Frys.com Open winner Emiliano Grillo by a shot at 12 under par. Patrick Reed, carrying dual membership with the PGA Tour, is in third at 9-under 135.
“It’s absolutely awesome, to be leading after halfway in such a massive event, it’s incredible,” Sullivan said. “I’m just happy I’m doing it in front of my fans, so keep them happy for the weekend anyway.”
McIlroy is joined on 8 under with Thongchai Jaidee, who was in contention to win last week’s BMW Masters in China, and Charl Schwartzel. The world No. 3 came into the season finale with a small 1,613-point lead over Willett for the Race to Dubai, which will come with a near $2 million bonus at the tournament’s conclusion on Sunday.
Were McIlroy to rally and win, he’d certainly lock up his third Race to Dubai title in four years. So, while he has the edge over Willett and others who could potentially capture the season-long title, the Ulsterman is still aiming for a Sunday double.
“I’m treating it like a normal event because I’m just here to win and I know if I win, then everything else will take care of itself,” McIlroy said. “Considering where I am on the leaderboard, I’ll take it now.”
Two-time defending champion Henrik Stenson, who opened with a shocking 77, shot 3-under 69 on Friday to drop out of a tie for last in the 60-player field and into a tie for 55th place.
Ryan Ballengee is a Yahoo Sports contributor. Find him on Facebook and Twitter.
