Race to Dubai: Rory McIlroy takes 'positive signs' into DP World Tour Championship after missing out on Abu Dhabi win

Rory McIlroy insists there are ‘positive signs’ in his game going into the DP World Tour Championship, despite missing out on Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship victory.

McIlroy made a birdie-eagle start to his final round at Yas Links GC and held a share of the lead again with seven holes remaining, only to finish in third spot, four strokes behind Ryder Cup team-mate Jon Rahm.

He played the last seven holes of his three-under 69 in one over, seeing him end the week on 19 under, leaving McIlroy without a worldwide victory since successfully defending his title at The Masters in April.

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"It was sort of a week where I felt like I had my chances," McIlroy admitted. "Especially today, birdieing 10 and 11 on the back nine to get tied for the lead. Then I had two good chances, 12 and 13, and didn't make those.

"Had to scramble for par on 14 and then I just couldn't keep my momentum going, but it was a good week. I saw some encouraging signs in the game."

McIlroy's third-place finish represents the 11th time he has come in the top three in 15 appearances in Abu Dhabi without victory, with the result lifting him above Patrick Reed into second in the Race to Dubai standings heading into the season finale.

The world No 2 now trails Eugenio Chacarra by 533.93 points going into the DP World Tour Championship, where 2,000 points are on offer for the winner and 1,335 points for second, with McIlroy challenging for a record-equalling eighth Order of Merit.

"I'm going to be in that final group going out on Thursday," McIlroy added. "I obviously would have loved to have won the tournament, but enough positive signs to feel good about going into next week.

"That [final group] is where I wanted to be. It's a pretty familiar spot for me going into the DP World Tour Championship, and I'm excited for it.

"That was the goal coming into these two weeks, to try to catch Eugenio [Chacarra] and Patrick [Reed] and try to win the Race to Dubai again.

"It would have been great to win this week and give myself not as much of a deficit, or even a lead, but still feel like I'm right in there with a great chance."

McIlroy set for Chacarra showdown in Dubai

Chacarra has topped the standings since winning the DP World India Championship in October, his third victory of the season, with the Spaniard looking to find improvements in his game after failing to contend in Abu Dhabi.

"Drove the ball amazing the last two days and still made so many mistakes," Chacarra admitted. "A lot of little mistakes that got me out of being up there.

"My good was really good. I got a lot of birdies and hit really good long shots and made some good putts, but obviously I need to sharpen my short game and my wedges. It's a little frustrating because it's something we've been working on.

"Obviously the odds are on him [McIlroy] and he's the favourite, but we'll play golf. We know what I'm capable of when I am playing good. There was a lot of good this week, but I just need to sharpen the bat to have a chance next week."

Nine players still have a mathematical chance of winning the Race to Dubai, with Rahm now among those after an 11th DP World Tour title - his first since The Masters in 2023 and a record-breaking sixth Rolex Series victory.

"I didn't think I would ever have a chance to win it," admitted Rahm, who jumped to sixth in the standings. "Actually gives me a little extra incentive next week. Those are better odds than I expected so looking forward to it and hopefully I can get my fourth one [DP World Tour Championship]."

What's next?

The DP World Tour season reaches its climax next week at the DP World Tour Championship, where only the top 50 available players in the Race to Dubai standings are eligible to compete.

Watch all four rounds of the DP World Tour Championship live on Sky Sports, with coverage of the opening round from 7am on Sky Sports Golf and Sky Sports Main Event. Get the latest Sky Sports deals or stream golf and more sport with no contract.

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