We don’t want Rory boring everyone!’ – Tommy Fleetwood benefits from McIlroy errors

Tommy Fleetwood has his sights set on keeping the race for the DP World Tour’s Order of Merit open as he competes in Abu Dhabi this weekend. Fleetwood’s mission is to win the HSBC Championship and force his friend and Ryder Cup teammate, Rory McIlroy, to fight for his sixth Order of Merit title.

Fleetwood, jokingly, described McIlroy as “boring,” though he was quick to laugh, acknowledging the absurdity of the remark about his close friend. The truth is that McIlroy’s game is far from boring; it’s his mix of skill and the occasional mishap that makes him such a fascinating player to watch.

Over the past two rounds, McIlroy has shown his brilliance, coupled with moments of vulnerability. On Friday, he was in contention at seven-under but stumbled with a triple bogey on the 17th hole. Then, on Saturday, he was closing in on the leader before he pulled his drive on the 18th hole into the water, resulting in a double bogey that left him at 13-under, six shots behind leader Paul Waring. Waring, who had enjoyed a commanding five-shot lead, now sits at 18-under, just one shot ahead of Denmark’s Niklas Norgaard, who has been steadily improving and is now seen as a potential Ryder Cup candidate.

Fleetwood, who won the Race to Dubai title in 2017, is determined to add some suspense to the race as he enters the final rounds. He noted he hasn’t looked too closely at the points scenario but will consider it if he wins on Sunday and takes home the £1.2 million prize. Should Fleetwood win, and McIlroy not advance from his current position of tied 13th, Fleetwood would be within striking distance for the Order of Merit title, with a chance to clinch it at the Earth Course in Dubai next week.

Fleetwood has fond memories of success in the UAE, winning two titles in this event when it was held at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club. He also triumphed in Dubai earlier this year, with McIlroy finishing second. With Dubai now his home, Fleetwood spoke of the comfort he finds competing in familiar territory.

“I suppose I do have a comfort factor here in the UAE,” he said. “We live in Dubai now, and I can go home tonight and sleep in my own bed. That’s always nice.”

With a few more solid rounds, Fleetwood hopes to keep McIlroy on his toes for just a little longer, aiming to set up a thrilling showdown in Dubai next week.