McIlroy shares lead with Hatton at season-ending World Tour Championship on European tour

Dubai, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Rory McIlroy fought back from a poor second nine to tie for the 36-hole lead at the season-ending World Tour Championship on Friday, putting himself in prime position to win his eighth Race to Dubai golf title. The world No. 2 hit four birdies in his first 10 holes in the second round and remained flawless until a six-hole stretch starting at No. 12 on Friday, which included three bogeys on the tough Jumeirah Golf Estates course due to strong winds, thick rough and slippery greens.

McIlroy regained his composure to reach the par-5 final hole in two strokes and make a 6-foot birdie putt, finishing at 2-under 70 alongside Tyrrell Hatton (69) at 5-under par for the week. McIlroy expressed frustration with the challenging conditions, acknowledging that his performance was salvaged by that final birdie. Meanwhile, Tyrrell Hatton is pushing to join McIlroy at the top of the standings, with Spaniard Eugenio Chacarra still in the mix after a strong final round of 71, putting him four shots back of McIlroy.

The $2,000,000 prize money for the winner, along with decreasing point values for the other top finishers, hangs in the balance as the tournament concludes. Patrick Reed and Jon Rahm are also in contention, but will likely be eliminated if McIlroy and Chacarra can perform poorly on the weekend.