DUBAI, United Arab Emirates -- The path is clear for Rory McIlroy to clinch the year-long Race to Dubai title and be crowned the European tour's best player for a sixth time.
He's well in contention to win the season-ending World Tour Championship, too.
McIlroy hit a fairway wood from 265 yards to 15 feet at No. 18 and two-putted for a closing birdie in his second round on Friday, a 3-under 69 leaving the No. 3-ranked Northern Irishman one stroke off the lead held by France's Antoine Rozner (65) on 9-under par.