Donald closes in on European crown

Having already topped America's PGA Tour standings, Luke Donald was almost ready to be crowned Europe's number one this season after the early exchanges in the Dubai World Championship final round.

Rory McIlroy had to win just to have a chance of denying Donald the double, but played the opening seven holes in one under and had slipped one place from his overnight eighth place.

He was also eight adrift of leader Alvaro Quiros, who marched into a four-stroke advantage over the entire field with three opening birdies.

Donald, meanwhile, was in joint fourth spot, making a nine-foot birdie on the first and following with three pars in a row.

Even if McIlroy won Donald would still top the money list with a top-nine finish.