Scotland’s Marc Warren is not about to be concerned he is ranked 188 spots behind Rory McIlroy ahead of the duo heading out in the final group on day three of the DP World Tour Championship Dubai.
Warren upstaged World No. 2 Luke Donald by a stroke in a round of 67 to set up a day three head-to-head fight with McIlroy.
All three players ended round two of the $8m on 11-under par and with Donald shooting a 68 and McIlroy then posting a 67.
McIlroy, who complained of suffering from a mild case of sunstroke, it was a more than satisfactory round.
“I got off the course yesterday and had a really sore head and a fever,” said the 23 year-old.
“I think it was a bit of sunstroke but I took a few things and felt better, but I’m not feeling great again. The sun’s taking it out of me a bit. But I had a solid round again today and being tied for the lead with 36 holes to play is a great position to be in.”
No player has enjoyed a bogey-free tournament on The European Tour in 2012 but Donald remains on course for just that after following his opening round 65 with a solid 68.
“Obviously I haven’t dropped a shot in 36 holes so I feel good about that,” said last year’s Race to Dubai Champion.
“I wasn’t quite as good on the greens today but that was a solid round of golf. I thought the course played a little bit tougher than yesterday.
“But it’s the last tournament of the year and we’re looking forward to going out on a high note so it should make for a fun weekend.”
Out to spoil the big two’s party, Warren has long been considered a player with top ten potential and the Scot is relishing his impressive form.
“It’s great to be in contention with guys like that, and it’s a high‑quality leader board – you won’t see better anywhere in the world,” said the Scot whose wife, Laura is expecting the couples first child next March.
“It’s great for The European Tour, great for The Race to Dubai and great to be a part of it.”
Just behind the leading trio, South Africa’s Branden Grace continues to show the form that has landed him four European Tour titles this season.
Less than12 months after gaining his European Tour playing card, the 24 year-old remains poised for the fifth win of what the South African admits would be a “dream year.”
And after posting a second round 65 (-7) to move to ten under par for the tournament, Grace is under no pressure at the thought of mixing it with the Big Two.
“I think in Europe and South Africa, I’ve got a pretty decent name but I can’t really compare myself to Rory,” he said.
“He’s got two Majors under his belt and multiple victories around the world and he’s No. 1 in the world for a reason. But if I get into playing with Rory or someone like that, I’ve had four wins this year, so I pretty much know how to handle it by now. Just stick to my own game and take it from there. “
Spain’s Sergio Garcia produced one of the most remarkable cards of the year and became the sixth player to shoot a course record 64 (-8) with an unorthodox round that included nine birdies, two eagles, two bogeys and a triple bogey and moved to seven under par for the tournament, four shots behind the leaders.
