Daily Star Sunday

Rose is so close JUSTIN-CREDIBLE

- ■ by PHIL GIRVAN

JUSTIN ROSE is on course to pull off the most sensationa­l Race to Dubai victory in the history of the European Tour.

The former US Open champion leads the DP World Tour Championsh­ip by a single shot ahead of today’s fascinatin­g final round.

Rose was a distant 10th on the money list until earning 2.3million points with back-to-back wins in China and Turkey and a third straight victory in Dubai would see him crowned European No.1 for a second time.

He carded a third round of 65 to move to 15 under par, a shot ahead of playing partner Jon Rahm and South Africa’s Dylan Frittelli.

Current Race to Dubai leader Tommy Fleetwood overcame a slow start to match Rose’s score and he lurks just two behind alongside Dean Burmester and Kiradech Aphibarnra­t.

An excited Rose, who made a crucial par save on the 18th after his approach found the water in front of the green, said: “You couldn’t have scripted it much better.

“Tommy’s last two rounds have been incredible and he is right there should I make any kind of mistake.

“He’s doing everything he has to and I’m the same, it’s perfectly set up.”

Fleetwood has recovered bravely from an opening 73 with consecutiv­e rounds of 65 and yesterday’s effort included eight birdies in his last 11 holes.

The Southport ace said: “I’ll be gutted if I don’t win but made up for Justin.

“It’s been an absolute pleasure trying to win the Race to Dubai during these last few weeks.

“It’s a massive thing, the biggest thing I’ve ever tried to achieve.”

Should Rose finish in solo second, Fleetwood would have to win to claim the Harry Vardon Trophy, with a host of permutatio­ns in play as long as Rose finishes in the top five.

Englishman Tyrell Hatton is 12 under par after a third round of 69.

WORCESTER

director of rugby Gary Gold praised his side for sticking together during tough times after they secured their first Aviva Premiershi­p win of the season by beating Northampto­n 30-15. The bonus-point victory took Worcester off the bottom of the table – two points ahead of London Irish, who face Bath today.

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