DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Rory McIlroy solidified his position as the frontrunner for the European tour’s prestigious Race to Dubai title with a strong performance on Thursday.

McIlroy delivered an impressive round, finishing with 5-under 67 and sharing the lead with Tyrrell Hatton as they wrapped up the first day of the season finale at the World Tour Championship.

Achieving a top-10 finish in this tournament will ensure McIlroy’s victory in the year-long points race, previously known as the Order of Merit, for the sixth time, which would put him level with the legendary Seve Ballesteros. This would bring him within two victories of Colin Montgomerie’s all-time record.

Thriston Lawrence, the South African currently positioned second in the Race to Dubai and trailing McIlroy, started his campaign with a 73, which places him six shots behind the Northern Irish star.

Lawrence’s path to victory is narrow; he must win the championship and simultaneously hope that McIlroy finishes tied for 11th or worse to seize the title.

Meanwhile, Paul Waring, who claimed victory in Abu Dhabi the previous week during the first leg of the season-ending playoffs, stands third after posting a score of 68.