DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Nikolaj Hejgaard jumped out to a three-shot lead on Friday, positioning himself for his second victory within the season-ending World Tour Championship, however lots of Europe’s Ryder Cup stars have been effectively positioned.
The chasing pack additionally included Rory McIlroy, who shot an excellent quick sport within the second spherical with a 69, placing him on observe to win the Race to Dubai title for the fourth 12 months in a row and changing into Europe’s No. 1 participant.
McIlroy tied for second in a gaggle of 5 that included Justin Rose (67) and Shane Lowry (67). Fellow Ryder Cup gamers Robert McIntyre, 67, and Tommy Fleetwood, 71, have been one stroke additional behind, whereas Tyrrell Hatton, 67, was one stroke again.
They have been all trying up at Hoygoat, who was ranked seventieth. He didn’t make the Ryder Cup workforce this time round, with that honor going to his twin brother, Rasmus, however he has proven a reminder of his skills on the Earth course this week.
The 24-year-old Dane shot a 65, his lowest spherical of the day, to again up his opening 67 and take his whole for the week to 12 below. Huygo gained the match in 2023, however missed out on qualifying final 12 months and beat a star-studded discipline in his return.
The one time he led after 36 holes on the European Tour was on the World Tour Championship two years in the past. That was additionally his ultimate victory.
“That is certainly one of my favourite tournaments to play,” Huygaard mentioned. “I am glad I am getting again into form somewhat bit. It fits me. It is utilizing my mid-irons, which is my energy. It is a actually good match for me.”
McIlroy had a sluggish tee shot by his requirements that day, mixing in six birdies and three bogeys, however his wedge play was magical.
“I felt like I confirmed my scoring abilities as we speak, fought effectively, was affected person and was capable of get the ball up and down once I wanted to,” McIlroy mentioned. “Total, I used to be fairly proud of taking pictures the 69 contemplating a number of the spots I discovered myself.”
Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen (67) and Daniel Hillier (68) tied for second alongside McIlroy, Lowry and Rose.
Solely Marco Penge and Hatton, who’re second and third respectively within the Race to Dubai rankings, can beat McIlroy this week. Penge, 70, enters the match in forty fourth place, 12 strokes off the chief, so Hatton is the one one who can realistically cease the Northern Irishman.
Hatton, who’s 5 behind Heigaard, must win and McIlroy must do worse than a tie for eighth with one other participant.
“We begin every week to win a match,” mentioned Hatton, who performs within the LIV Golf League. “It is no completely different than that. If it may occur, I do know I want a outcome to go my approach. I am not considering an excessive amount of about it. I am simply making an attempt to play higher.”
Fleetwood began the second spherical in second place, one stroke behind Michael Kim, however had a irritating day together with his putter. He made an eagle on the second par-5, making it a par of 16 and one bogey.
The drop shot ended a outstanding 69-hole run with out a bogey, courting again to the fifteenth gap of the second spherical in Abu Dhabi final week, when he misplaced in a playoff to Aaron Rai.
Kim shot a 76 after opening with a 64.
