Eugenio Chacarra is eyeing more than just holding off Rory McIlroy to Race to Dubai victory at the DP World Tour Championship, following a strong finish to his third round.
Chacarra entered the week with a 533.93-point lead over McIlroy in the season-long standings, having won three times this year, only to lose ground with rounds of 72 and 71 over the first two days at Jumeirah Golf Estates.
McIlroy temporarily moved above Chacarra into projected top spot, as he chases a record-equalling eighth Order of Merit title, with the world No 2 also briefly jumping to the top of the leaderboard before stuttering to a third-round 72.
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Chacarra made nine birdies - including four in his last six holes - to post a four-under 68 and join McIlroy on five under, four strokes behind leader Tyrrell Hatton, but the Spaniard remains hopeful of challenging for tournament victory and 'Dubai double'.
"A lot of good and a lot of bad," Chacarra said about his performance. It has been a grind and I've been fighting. I've played all year on DP World Tour and I've played a lot.
"I want to really win that ranking, so I want to show the world I'm capable of playing under pressure. I think, so far, I've been doing that.
"I just want to win the tournament. I'm not far away. I know if I win the tournament, I win the ranking, so that's what I wanted to do in Abu Dhabi and I want to do it here.
"That's what we prepare for and I'm going to have a chance on Sunday. That's what we dream of since I was little is to win big events on Sunday.
"I'm ready. I love the game of golf. I love practising. I work so hard for these moments, and I'm going to go out there and enjoy it. Not a lot of people can enjoy this moment and have a chance to win the Race to Dubai."
Late twist in the Race to Dubai battle?
Nine players started the week with a mathematical chance of topping the season-long standings, with South Africa's Jayden Schaper - needing a win and results to go his way - five strokes back and Jon Rahm a further shot behind.
McIlroy needs solo fourth or better to have any chance of surpassing Chacarra, who can guarantee the Order of Merit with victory, with the Spaniard still heading into the final round top of the projected Race to Dubai standings.
"There's a number of scenarios that could unfold tomorrow," former Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley . "I don't think Jon Rahm is not out of it yet - I could still see him coming through with a really strong last throw of the dice.
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"I think Rory [McIlroy] will reset and [Eugenio] Chacarra is going to battle some way or another. I don't think he's going to win the tournament, but he's going to really make it difficult for those guys.
"I think there are a few little things that can bob and weave there. At the moment, it does look like Chacarra is the favourite for the Race to Dubai. Rory has fallen a lot off the pace and it's going to take a big reset now for him tomorrow to really go at it and shoot a low score.
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"McIlroy's still there, or thereabouts and he will reset overnight, so I expect a better Rory coming out tomorrow. If he can hit fairways, I think the rest of the game will be in good shape."
Hatton expects 'tough day' in search of Dubai win
Starting the week 12th in the Race to Dubai standings and too far back to win the Harry Vardon Trophy, Hatton leads the tournament on nine under - one ahead of France's Victor Perez - as he looks to close out a ninth DP World Tour title.
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"It was a good day," said Hatton, a two-time runner-up at the DP World Tour Championship. "It was tricky - the greens were so fast on the back nine. Every putt I had coming in I think from the 13th was just unbelievably fast. Really happy with how I putted today.
"I know tomorrow is going to be a tough day. I've got enough experience down these last few holes to know that anything can happen. I'll just go out tomorrow and try my best. I know I can play well around here, and that's what I'll try to do."
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