Graeme McDowell fears he’s running on empty as title bid fades

Graeme McDowell's attempt to top the European Tour money list all but vanished today with the US Open champion admitting that his recent punishing schedule has taken its toll.

The Northern Irishman is playing for the fifth straight week as he bids to beat Martin Kaymer to the Tour's overall honour.

To have any chance, McDowell needs a top-three finish at the Dubai World Championship but he carded a 73 and is one-over at the halfway point. To make matters worse, Kaymer, who sat out last week's Hong Kong Open, is eight shots ahead after firing a 70.

McDowell admitted: "My caddie told me today to go and have a good time out on the course but it's hard to do that when I am trying so desperately hard this week to get in the mix.

"I am frustrated because I'm not doing what I should be doing this week. I just don't think I have a huge amount left in the tank. I've certainly got that feeling maybe it's one step too far. I'm a mentally tired man."

McDowell, though, is refusing to completely give up the ghost.

"It's not over," said the 31-year-old. "Going 65-65 at the weekend is not out of the question. I just have to rest. I have got to somehow go out and relax and have a good time, maybe have a few beers tonight and hang out by the hotel pool."

When told of McDowell's position, Kaymer said: "He will find it difficult to win from there."

The German is two behind joint leaders Ian Poulter and Ross Fisher and one ahead of world No1 Lee Westwood.

Kaymer will replace the Englishman at the top of the rankings if he wins the tournament and his rival does not finish runner-up.