Rory McIlroy rises, slips, shares 36-hole lead with Tyrrell Hatton in Dubai

Dubai, United Arab Emirates — Rory McIlroy overcame a back-nine wobble, birdied the 18th hole, and is now tied for the 36-hole lead at the season-ending DP World Tour Championship, putting him in contention for his eighth Race to Dubai title. McIlroy birdied four of his first ten holes and posted a 2-under 70, sharing the lead with Tyrrell Hatton (69). McIlroy acknowledged the challenging conditions at the Jumeirah Golf Estates course, which has played tough due to a stiff breeze, thick rough, and dry, slippery greens.

Spain's Eugenio Chacarra, who chipped in from off the green at No. 18 to complete a birdie-birdie finish, remains in the fight. He is nearly 534 points ahead of McIlroy in the Race to Dubai standings. Patrick Reed dropped out of contention with a second-round 77, while Jon Rahm, McIlroy's recent winner, needs to win and for McIlroy and Chacarra to finish poorly to have any hope of securing the title.

On the other hand, Joost Luiten, who entered the tournament late due to several withdrawals, is tied for third place after a 73 in the third round. Luiten's participation could earn him one of the 10 spots on next season's PGA Tour for European tour members who are not otherwise exempt.