DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Nicolai Hojgaard moved into position to win the season-ending World Tour Championship for a second time by taking a three-stroke lead on Friday, though a slew of Europe's Ryder Cup stars were well placed to pounce.

The chasing pack included Rory McIlroy, whose brilliant short game salvaged a 69 in the second round that kept him on track to capture a fourth straight year-long Race to Dubai title for being Europe's No. 1 player.

McIlroy was tied for second place in a five-man group that included Justin Rose (67) and Shane Lowry (67). Fellow Ryder Cuppers Robert MacIntrye (67) and Tommy Fleetwood (71) were a further stroke back and Tyrrell Hatton (67) one more shot adrift.

They were all looking up at the 70th-ranked Hojgaard, who didn't make the Ryder Cup team

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