At the half way mark of the season ending Dubai World Championship golf tournament, the race for European top money earner is no clearer. In fact, Dengue Fever may well play a roll as Rory McIlroy feels its effects. McIlroy is playing well early in each round, but is noticeably tiring over the last three or four holes. McIlroy needs to win and hope that Luke Donald finished tenth, or worse, if he is to take the title of top European money earner for 2011.
Donald needs to finish ninth or better to take the title, and while he is currently in a tie for 12th he was way back in 30th position with three to play, then finished the day with a superb birdie, birdie, birdie – McIlroy tired badly to finish bogey, bogey and five off the lead. Donald is only three shots behind McIlroy and has the momentum. Of course, they all have to catch Alvaro Quiros who set a course equaling 64 on the second day to go to 12 under par, four shots clear of Peter Hanson with McIlroy and Robert Rock a further shot back.
Bookmakers have made Alvaro Quiros the favourite at 7/4 ahead of Rory McIlroy (19/5), Peter Hanson (10/1), Paul Casey (14/1) and Luke Donald (25/1). Although there are two days to play, Donald will struggle to win from eight behind – but then, he doesn’t really to need to win (although he will be trying – there’s big prize money on offer), he just needs to keep McIlroy in sight. Much will depend on McIlroy’s health. He was on three behind with two to play on the second day before bogeying the last two – if he can hold it all together, he is a strong chance of catching Quiros.
If Alvaro Quiros can put together one more good round then he’ll be hard to catch. Lee Westwood, the early favourite, is two under, ten off the lead. He could well finish in the top ten, but winning from there is almost impossible. Robert Rock is the interesting player. He has been consistent and could offer a decent return at good odds in each way betting. You can get around 30/1, and while he may be five off the lead he is in the top five, and if he’s consistent, that’s where he should stay and be a good collect for those who backed him each way. We’re tipping Quiros to maintain his lead from Rock and McIlroy with Donald finishing in the top ten and taking the European title.