Adam Scott Surges Into Contention at DP World Tour Finale

Scott's grind on the greens

Scott described a tricky course in dry conditions with the wind up. "It's not that easy to hit fairways, and then it's a real battle," he said.

He felt the putter was behaving better than it seemed. "I think I'm putting better than it feels," Scott said. "It just feels like hard work on the greens this week."

The 46-year-old was also in contention last week in Abu Dhabi. He started the final round three shots behind eventual winner Jon Rahm but fell to a tie for ninth after a 73.

Scott has not won a 72-hole event since 2020. He wants a 12th European Tour title and said this is the type of tournament he would like on his resume. "I'd take any win, first of all, but these are the kind of events that I would love to putt on my resume at this point in my career," he said.

He will play in the penultimate group on Sunday alongside Sweden's Mikael Lindberg, who is third on six under after a second straight 69.

McIlroy fades, Chacarra leads the standings

McIlroy started Saturday tied with Hatton for the lead but shot a 72. He needs a win to claim a record-equalling eighth Race to Dubai title, matching Colin Montgomerie. A top-four finish could also be enough if Chacarra drops down the order.

Chacarra took control of the Race to Dubai standings. He bogeyed the fourth, double-bogeyed the fifth, then made four birdies over his last six holes for a 68. He could become only the third Spaniard to win the order of merit after Seve Ballesteros and Rahm.

Rahm, who could also clinch the Race to Dubai with a victory, fell six shots off the lead after a third straight 71.

Hatton hit his drive into the water on the par-five 18th but made par. "It would mean a lot to go on and win tomorrow," he said. "The course is playing difficult this week and there's a lot of fantastic players just behind."

Hatton plays with Perez in the final group. Scott and Lindberg tee off at 7:50am UK time on Sunday.