Rory McIlroy was pleased to have strengthened his position at the top of the Race to Dubai Rankings in Partnership with Rolex after finishing tied for third at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship.
The four-time Major winner – chasing a sixth Race to Dubai crown – extended his lead over Thriston Lawrence to 1,785.02 points, with the season-long contest now a two-horse race heading to the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai.
“I do feel in a good position,” said McIlroy, who carded a closing 64 for a 21-under total. “I saw Thriston making a charge today, and I was keeping one eye on the leaderboard and looking at what he was doing. I saw he posted 20.
“Obviously I wanted to birdie the last, anyway, but I know that birdie, even if it isn't to win the tournament this week, it obviously gives me that little bit extra of a cushion going into next week.
“Every shot counts at this moment in time, and I was glad to make the four at the last and at least give myself half a chance at this tournament this week but also give myself a little bit more of a cushion going into Dubai next week as well.”
Lawrence also signed for a 64 on Sunday at Yas Links to claim a share of sixth, and insists he will give his all to catch McIlroy at Jumeirah Golf Estates.
The South African requires a win at the Earth Course, although even that will not be enough if McIlroy finishes solo 11th or better.
“I'm just proud of myself and how patient I stayed and just executed a lot of good shots,” Lawrence said.
“Stayed committed out there, and my putter was working nicely. Everything just worked out perfectly, and unfortunately not my week this week but hopefully next week.
“Just points-wise, I'm looking at the leaderboard, I'm 19-under but I'm not even on the leaderboard. There's so many guys on 20-under. I knew that was crucial just to get a top five or top six, at least, just depending how the guys finished.”
