Rory McIlroy v Eugenio Chacarra: How did Abu Dhabi Championship affect Race to Dubai?

With one tournament remaining in the Race to Dubai, Rory McIlroy is still vying for the top spot with Eugenio Chacarra. The world No 2 is aiming to secure an eighth order of merit title on the DP World Tour, which would tie him with Colin Montgomerie. Despite the gap, the situation changed at the Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship. Starting the event at third in the money list, behind Chacarra and Patrick Reed, McIlroy finished third, the 11th time in 15 tries he reached the top three without winning the tournament.

Chacarra tied for 22nd, and Reed finished 43rd, sharing the position with two others. Consequently, McIlroy climbed up, taking a significant lead over Chacarra and narrowing the gap with Reed. The Abu Dhabi Championship awarded 1,500 points for the winner, Jon Rahm, while the season finale at the DP World Tour Championship offers 2,000 points.

McIlroy trails Chacarra by just over 500 points, leading Reed by a smaller margin. If McIlroy wins the Earth Course, where he has previously triumphed three times, he will be assured of the Order of Merit title, regardless of Chacarra's performance. A second-place finish for McIlroy and a fourth-place finish for Chacarra would also secure the race for McIlroy, but only by a narrow margin.

If the tie for second and fourth place occur, calculations will become more complex. Chacarra and Reed would each secure the title if they win at Jumeirah Golf Estates. Chacarra, the 26-year-old Spaniard, has claimed the top position four times this season with victories. However, he still believes McIlroy is the favorite. Chacarra noted, "He's the No 2 player in the world and the No 1 in Europe."

Having played the Earth Course numerous times, Chacarra admits he only played it once. Acknowledging McIlroy's strong performance in Abu Dhabi, he added, "I just need to refine my game to have a chance in Dubai." McIlroy, who has clinched the past four Race to Dubai events, expressed his excitement for the upcoming Championship.

"It's a familiar spot for me going into the DP World Tour Championship, and I'm eager for it," he said. "The goal was to catch Eugenio and Patrick and secure another Race to Dubai victory. Although winning in Abu Dhabi would have reduced the deficit or even given me a lead, I still feel confident with a great chance to win."