German Martin Kaymer finds himself both the hunted and the hunter at this week's Dubai World Championship presented by DP World.
Going into the final event of the European Tour season, the 25 year old has a lead of €290,910 over Graeme McDowell, his only remaining challenger, at the top of The Race to Dubai.
But while McDowell is chasing the top-three finish that could see him snatch the €1,092,418 Race to Dubai Bonus from his Ryder Cup team-mate, Kaymer also has another chance to reach the World Number One spot.
Lee Westwood is the one defending his position there, but to stay on top he would have to finish second if Kaymer wins on Sunday and cannot afford to be worse than 27th if Kaymer is second on his own.
And this is the event that Westwood won 12 months ago to become the first Race to Dubai winner.
He trailed Rory McIlroy in the race with a week to go, but with a staggering 23 under par total on the 7,675-yard Earth course at Jumeirah Golf Estates he scooped the jackpot.
Both Kaymer and McDowell would walk away with €1,902,418 for the bonus pool and €910,348 for the first prize if they do the same double as Westwood.
"It's been a fantastic season for me," stated Kaymer. "To win my first Major (the US PGA) and to be part of the winning Ryder Cup Team is way above my expectations to be honest.
"Obviously when you win a Major you know that you can win any tournament in the world.
"I've played very well the last few months and going into this week I feel confident about my game. Hopefully I can play well and make sure that I win the Race to Dubai somehow."
McDowell, in with a great chance of being the BBC Sports Personality of the Year for his US Open triumph and Ryder Cup match-winning role, has produced a first, tied third and fifth place in his last four starts.
"I am very happy with my form and my energy levels going into Dubai. Of course I am within touching distance now and I've got to play well, simple as that," said the 31 year old, who knows that victory on Sunday would guarantee him the money list number one spot.
"I can't control Martin's golf ball - only mine. I'm going to go and play my own game and see what happens.”
After his practice round on Tuesday, Kaymer confirmed that he, like Westwood, will not be joining the US PGA Tour next season.
The blows to the American circuit have been coming thick and fast, with Rory McIlroy announcing that he is giving up membership next year to concentrate on Europe again.
"Schedule-wise it doesn't really fit to play both," stated Kaymer. "I consider the European Tour as my home - I think you play against the best players in the world. You have all of the great players here."
