DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Rory McIlroy is poised to capture the prestigious Race to Dubai title, potentially marking his sixth time as the top player on the European Tour.

On top of this achievement, he is also a strong contender for victory at the season-closing World Tour Championship.

In his second round on Friday, McIlroy showcased his skill by hitting a fairway wood from 265 yards to within 15 feet of the hole at the 18th. He completed the hole with two putts, finishing with a score of 3-under 69, placing him just one stroke shy of the lead held by France’s Antoine Rozner, who fired a remarkable 65 to reach 9-under par.

Tied with Tyrrell Hatton, who also shot a 69, McIlroy sits in second place in the tournament. However, he seems to have a secure grip on the year-long Race to Dubai leaderboard, with Thriston Lawrence being the only contender capable of challenging him. For Lawrence to snatch the title away from McIlroy, he must achieve a win at Jumeirah Golf Estates, a feat that seems challenging as he finished with a score of 71, leaving him at level par for the tournament and nine strokes behind the leader at the midway point.

Rozner, who is currently ranked No. 154, surprised many by taking the lead after a stellar performance that included six birdies in an eight-hole stretch starting from the 9th.

He is among those aiming for a high-ranking finish to secure one of the 10 PGA Tour cards available for the upcoming season.