Francesco Molinari is on the brink of becoming the first Italian to be crowned European Number One as he enters the final round of the DP World Tour Championship, Dubai.
The Open Champion knew entering the week that his only remaining rival for the Race to Dubai and great friend Tommy Fleetwood needed a win at Jumeirah Golf Estates to have any chance of overhauling him at the top of the Rankings.
With just 18 holes remaining of the 2018 season, Fleetwood is eight shots off the lead and while such deficits have been overturned before, the Englishman appears resigned to the fact that he will not be defending his crown.
Molinari has had a remarkable 2018, not only winning at Carnoustie Golf Links but claiming the BMW PGA Championship and becoming the first European to win five points out of five at a Ryder Cup.
The 36 year old admits the intensity of the season has taken its toll but he knows it will be all worth it if he makes history on Sunday at the eighth Rolex Series event of the season.
I don't know how many chances you get in a lifetime, in a career, to achieve something like that. It would be great - Francesco Molinari
“It would mean a lot, no doubt,” he said. “I don't know how many chances you get in a lifetime, in a career, to achieve something like that. It would be great.
“This time of the year, I think I'm trying my best but there's not a lot in there left. It's something new I've never really experienced this and I kind of tried to convince myself that I'm feeling better week-after-week but then a round of golf and I'm back where I started.
“I think on Thursday, there was a little bit of adrenaline going and that helped me, definitely, to start with, but at the moment it's just hard to keep the focus for 18 holes.
“Tomorrow, I feel there's a low one there because I'm hitting the ball well and I'm putting well enough, it's just a matter of doing it for 18 holes.”
Fleetwood was bogey-free through 45 holes this week but after a third-round 74 effectively ended his chances, he did not find it difficult to see the bigger picture.
“I feel the adrenaline might have gone now,” he said. “I think you kind of know when your time's up.
“I lasted within two days of the season. It was a stretch trying to win it but it is what it is.
“I'll play tomorrow and we'll see how we do but it's fine. I'm fine, fit and healthy. I'll play golf tomorrow and that's it. I'll go home and I'll spend time with my son tonight.
“At the end of the day, it's just golf, but it does hurt when you have days like that.”
