Rory McIlroy closes in on Tour title

The 39-year-old has not tasted victory anywhere in the world for three years, but he is already using next year’s Ryder Cup as motivation for picking up his performances. He has never recorded an over-par round here and this is where he was confirmed as the European Tour’s order of merit victor in 2012 and 2014.

Sullivan’s beaming countenance was in direct contrast to that of Ian Poulter, who shared the overnight lead on six-under but fell back to a tie for 23rd on four-under with an ugly 74.

While it may be unfair to Danny Willett to describe his duel with Rory McIlroy in tortoise and hare terms, there is fascination attached to the Englishman’s bid to keep pace with a four-times major victor in Dubai. I can’t blame any physical (problems), it’s more the soft parts in the body that’s not really where they need to be. I’ll have an MRI when I get home. I had a good couple of days practice but still would like one more.

Sullivan’s story is an uplifting one. He was a shelf-stacker at Asda at the age of 20, with his subsequent surge into golfing aristocracy the outcome of hard work and a fantastic attitude. Sullivan plays with a smile, regardless of scenario. It’s a course that I really enjoy playing. I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.

Wearing their T-shirts emblazoned with a big smiley face in homage to their friend and sporting hero, “The Sulli Army” have been given plenty to grin about here.

“If you ask them they’ll probably say I was only there for about six months because I was asleep in the changing room half the time”, joked Sullivan, who ignited his round with a “massive” putt for birdie on the 12th before further gains at 14, 15 and 18 hoisted him to the top.

“I would like to end the year on a win”.

Grillo was not distracted by being paired with Rory McIlroy. The little-heralded Argentine, who started the competition 56th in the points list, carded a 64, which was four better than his celebrated playing partner. Grillo knows what it takes to win, having done so on the PGA Tour this year.

Shane Lowry’s three-over-par 75 undermined his double ambition to win the tournament and then hope that results broke his way to allow him snatch the title from McIlroy.

As expected, McIlroy said his focus is only on winning the DP World Tour Championship for the second time. “I’m not quite performing at the highest levels I would like to. Early on, I was hitting a few horrific shots”, he said. “But seeing as we’re both going along nicely, it kind of turned into that and a pretty good match overall”.

“It’s just a matter of being a little more efficient, taking advantage of the par 5s a bit better”. “It’s always been a goal of mine to come over here and play well”, Reed said. “He’s one of the nicest guys out here and that makes it easier, but it’s nice playing good with him”. “I just haven’t closed one out”.