Wayne Riley explains what he finds ‘unbelievable’ about Rory McIlroy after he finishes third at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship

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Rory McIlroy is closing in on another Race to Dubai title after finishing tied-third at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship.

McIlroy regretted his middle rounds at Yas Links, where he finished with scores of 67 and 69 after an opening 67.

But the Northern Irishman finished superbly with an eight-under 64, with McIlroy ending his week at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on 21-under.

McIlroy plans to reduce his schedule next season, with the four-time major champion now having just one DP World Tour event left in 2024.

That comes at the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai next week, with the 35-year-old in pole position for the year-end title.

Wayne Riley explains what he finds ‘unbelievable’ about Rory McIlroy

McIlroy tops the Race to Dubai rankings, with a third consecutive success on the cards after he won the competition in both 2022 and 2023.

And his latest display certainly caught the eye of Wayne Riley, who said on Sky Sports Golf: “He’s been working on his swing, another great finish. Rory McIlroy is unbelievable at starting at 15th and finishing in the top four. Incredible golfer.

READ MORE: Who is Rory McIlroy? A closer look at one of the greatest golfers of all time

“Next week, I’m sorry, it’s not done, so stay tuned, but Rory McIlroy could play with six clubs and win this thing now.”

Rory McIlroy in pole position for sixth Race to Dubai title

An Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship win was certainly possible for McIlroy going into Sunday despite his late Saturday issues.

But low scoring was the norm at Yas Links, where the lack of wind ensured ideal settings for those involved in the penultimate DP World Tour event.

READ MORE: What Tommy Fleetwood did immediately after his third round at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship

Tommy Fleetwood equalled the course record with his opening round 62, with Paul Waring then going one better to clinch the course record in round two.

And while the latter was put under real pressure by fellow Englishman Tyrrell Hatton late on, Waring held on for a fantastic second win on the tour.

He is set to rise a huge 43 places in the Race to Dubai rankings with the success, with Hatton climbing 16 places to sixth.

But way out in front is four-time major champion McIlroy, who is all set to win the season-ending competition for the sixth time in his glittering career.