McIlroy chases record eighth Race to Dubai title

Rory McIlroy tied for halfway lead with Tyrrell Hatton at five-under par, seeking a record-tying eighth Race to Dubai title.

Why it matters

Winning either the tournament or the Race to Dubai points race would cement McIlroy's status as the year's dominant European tour player.

In Australia. No direct Australian impact, though Australian golf fans follow McIlroy closely and the Race to Dubai shapes the tour calendar.

The world No. 2 recovered from three bogeys on his back nine Friday to birdie the final hole and card a two-under 70 at Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai.
McIlroy joined Hatton at five-under for the week.
Rory McIlroy is chasing his fourth European tour championship title while also trying to overtake Eugenio Chacarra in the Race to Dubai standings.
Chacarra, the Spanish rookie leading by nearly 534 points, shot 71 and sits four shots back.
The winner takes 2,000 points toward the order of merit, the tour's year-long title.
Patrick Reed shot 77 and appears out of contention.
The course played tough Friday due to stiff breeze, thick rough and dry greens.
McIlroy acknowledged growing frustrated but felt he salvaged his day with the closing birdie.