Dubai, United Arab Emirates – Barring a miracle, Luke Donald will make history on Sunday.
Alvaro Quiros had his lead cut in half to two after three rounds of the Dubai World Championship on Saturday, but Donald moved into fourth place with a six- under 66 and is well on his way to winning the Race to Dubai.
If things play out as expected, Donald will become the first player in history to win the money title on both the European and PGA Tours in the same year.
Donald, the world's top player, had a flawless round to move four shots off Quiros' mark of 14-under 202 and needs to finish in the top nine to ensure the historic title. Furthermore, Rory McIlroy would need to win the tournament to have Donald squander the opportunity, but the reigning U.S. Open champ struggled to a one-under 71 and is six shots behind Quiros at minus-eight.
"It feels a little bit different this week -- there's a lot on the line," said Donald, who sits at 10-under 206. "History sometimes can put a little pressure on you, but so far, so good."
Quiros, who shot a two-under 70 on Saturday, is looking for his second victory of the year and his first two-win season. He has one win in five straight seasons, but a second title has eluded him.
It's the second straight week Quiros has led after 54 holes, but, after the Hong Kong Open's third round, the Spaniard warned that leading on Sunday was a "dangerous position." For Quiros, that's been true recently, squandering his last two such leads.
"I'm in a good position," Quiros said. "At the end, I'm where I want to be -- leading the tournament. All the quality players were playing behind me, so hopefully tomorrow they're in the same position."
Paired with Quiros on Sunday is Paul Lawrie (66), who moved into second at 12- under 204. Former British Open champ Louis Oosthuizen (66) is third at 11- under.
The round of the day went to German Martin Kaymer, who tied the course record with an eight-under 64 to move to minus-eight overall and in a share of eighth with five players, including McIlroy.
MORE TO FOLLOW.
