Abu Dhabi, UAE – Tommy Fleetwood is within striking distance at teh Abu Dhabi Championship, trailing leader Aaron rai by one stroke after Saturday’s third round. The tournament, the first of two DP world tour end-of-season play-off events, sees the top 70 players vying for a place in next week’s finale in Dubai.
Fleetwood’s recent form has been exceptional, highlighted by a maiden PGA title at the Tour championship in August and a key role in Europe’s Ryder Cup victory over the United States in September. He added a first DP World Tour title of the season in India last month.
“I am playing very good golf at the moment and I have found myself in this position a lot throughout the summer, but I never take it for granted,” Fleetwood told the DP World Tour website.”this is what you practice for, these are the times of our lives and I am enjoying it very much.”
Spain’s Nacho elvira,who posted a 65,is two shots off the lead,while Englishman Andy Sullivan and New Zealander Daniel Hillier are tied for fourth on 17 under.
Rory McIlroy remains in contention,finishing the day six shots off the pace following a round of 66. A strong finish would bolster his chances of securing a seventh Race too Dubai title and becoming the season’s best golfer on the DP World Tour.
A total of 9,000 points are available this week (1,500 to the winner) and 12,000 next week (2,000 to the winner), meaning the Harry Vardon Trophy for the season title remains up for grabs.
Northern Irishman McIlroy currently leads the Race to Dubai standings by just under 500 points from Marco Penge, who has won three times on tour this year.
Penge is currently 11 under for the tournament after a 70 on Saturday, though his round included a double bogey on the par-five 18th after finding water.
Fleetwood faces a meaningful challenge to overtake McIlroy, trailing by almost 2,800 points in the Race to Dubai. To have any chance of winning the overall title,he would need to win both play-off events and rely on McIlroy faltering.
