Francesco Molinari enters this week's WGC-HSBC Champions knowing that a win could go a long way towards securing his first Race to Dubai title.
The Italian won this event in 2010 shortly after contributing to Europe's Ryder Cup win at Celtic Manor but even that stellar season pales in comparison to his 2018 campaign.
Molinari won the BMW PGA Championship in May, followed that up with his first victory on the US PGA Tour and then claimed a maiden Major title at the Open Championship.
Clearly not satisfied with incredible individual success, he then became the first European to win five points out of five as part of his third contribution to a winning Ryder Cup Team at Le Golf National.
His stunning season has left him over 1.3million points clear at the top of the Race to Dubai Rankings presented by Rolex but, with closest rivals Tommy Fleetwood, Patrick Reed and Rory McIlroy in action this week, he is taking nothing for granted.
It's the main goal remaining in the season so everyone will do their best to try and catch me - Francesco Molinari
"Obviously I've got some great memories here," he said. "It's one event I always look forward to. The course is in great shape so it's nice to be back.
"It's been quite a journey since 2010 but especially this year, it's been incredible. I've got a couple more events to go, this one and Dubai, and it would be nice to finish off the season in style.
"I know that there's a lot of guys still in with a chance and there's a lot of money to play for in the next few weeks. I know it definitely won't be easy for the Europeans. It's the main goal remaining in the season so everyone will do their best to try and catch me.
"I need to try and do my things well and this week, potentially, it's very, very important. Day by day, try to play well and see what I can come out with Sunday."
McIlroy is already a three-time Race to Dubai champion and arrives at Sheshan International Golf Club fourth in the standings.
The Northern Irishman is playing three of the final four weeks, however, and while he knows he faces an uphill battle, the four-time Major Championship winner is not giving up on being European Number One again.
"I know Francesco has got a big lead over all of us," he said. "I think I'm just under two million points behind.
"This is a big event, a lot of points and money up for grabs, the same as Nedbank and Dubai. I feel like I need one win, maybe two out of the next three, to have any sort of a chance.
If I can go to Dubai with a mathematical chance of winning, you never know what can happen - Rory McIlroy
"If I can go to Dubai with a mathematical chance of winning, you never know what can happen. Still open to it but I know it's a long shot."
McIlroy's record in Shanghai is excellent, with a worst finish of 11th and four top fives from his six appearances at Sheshan.
He has five top fives with three seconds from ten European Tour appearances this season and is hoping to utilise his length off the tee to get a first win since 2016 this week.
"I've played well here in the past," he said. "I haven't quite got the win but I've consistently finished quite high and I feel like it's a good golf course for me. Traditional par 72, four par fives, a couple of driveable par fours, so with my length I feel like I can take advantage of that.
"I've played very consistent golf. Maybe haven't quite had the wins I've wanted but I have three tournaments this year to try to add to that, so I'm excited for this week and the next few weeks as well."
