Rory McIlroy stumbles in Race to Dubai record bid as Hatton leads DPWT Championship

Rory McIlroy's bid for a record-equalling eighth Race to Dubai title suffered a setback on Saturday after a disappointing third round at the DP World Tour Championship, with Eugenio Chacarra moving into a projected position to claim the season-long crown.

McIlroy carded a level-par 72 at Jumeirah Golf Estates to remain tied for fourth on 5-under par, four shots behind tournament leader Tyrrell Hatton. Chacarra also sits on 5-under par after a 4-under 68, leaving the Spaniard firmly in contention for his maiden Race to Dubai title.

McIlroy can still match Colin Montgomerie's record of eight European Tour Order of Merit titles with a victory, or a runner-up finish provided Chacarra finishes third or worse. Both players also remain in the hunt for the DP World Tour Championship itself, with Sunday's final round set to determine both titles.

• Race to Dubai permutations

Jon Rahm is also in contention for the Race to Dubai crown, but faces a tougher challenge after a 1-under 71 left him six shots off the lead on 3-under par. The Spaniard will need a strong final round and favourable results elsewhere.

McIlroy did not speak to Sky Sports Golf before the end of the broadcaster's coverage following his third-round 72.

Hatton, meanwhile, moved into pole position for the DP World Tour Championship after carding a 4-under 68 to reach 9-under par. The Englishman holds a one-shot lead over Victor Perez, who climbed into second with a 67, while Mikael Lindberg sits third on 6-under par after a 69.

Hatton is chasing a joint-record sixth Rolex Series title and his ninth DP World Tour victory. A crucial up-and-down from a bunker for par at the par-5 18th preserved his narrow advantage, continuing his strong form after finishing runner-up behind Rahm at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship last week.

"There was a lot of good stuff today," Hatton said. "I struggled a bit with my driver a few times but overall happy with how I hit my irons, and putted nicely today which was key."

"A win here tomorrow would be really special," he added. "It's the DP World Tour Championship. I have been fortunate to play this event ever year since I've been on Tour, and going into last week I was on the outside looking in. I wanted to have a good week to here, so it would mean a lot to go and win tomorrow.

"There's a lot of fantastic players in behind, but hopefully I can play well."

DP World Tour Championship Round 3 Leaderboard