• DP World Tour Championship

Stenson closes in on Race to Dubai crown

The Race to Dubai crown is now Henrik Stenson's to lose © Getty Images

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Henrik Stenson is one round away from securing the Race to Dubai crown after a third visit of 65 moved him a shot clear of the field at the DP World Tour Championship.

The Swede followed a flawless second round of 64 with a further six birdies at the Jumeirah Golf Estates on Saturday - four of which came in his final five holes - although a solitary bogey at the 10th marred his afternoon.

Stenson sits top of the leaderboard at 17-under-par while Victor Dubuisson, last week's winner in Turkey , continued his good form at the event with an eight-under 64 to move within one.

Ian Poulter, who currently sits fourth in the Race to Dubai standings, kept his hopes of victory alive with a six-under 66. However, it could have been better for the Brit, who dropped shots at the fourth and 17th.

Poulter, though, is confident he can overhaul Stenson on Sunday to claim the Harry Vardon trophy.

Ok @henrikstenson I am officially coming after you tomorrow. I will be give it my all. Do not look over your shoulder I will be right there

— Ian Poulter (@IanJamesPoulter) November 16, 2013

"I caught him today and I'll catch him tomorrow, it's whether or not I can keep hold of him," Poulter said. "I'm pushing really hard on this course and it's easy to make mistakes when you are doing that. I made two bogeys on par threes which is frustrating but I am right in there and I can't ask any more than that."

Poulter has a bet with Stenson that he will be the one who emerges victorious - although the loser will have the embarrassment of acting as as a personal waiter for a night.

"The odds would be significantly shorter now and I have put myself in position to try to kick his backside tomorrow," Poulter said. "It's fun hunting Henrik and if I can get off to a decent start it's going to be great on the back nine.

Stenson's closest challenger for the Dubai title is Justin Rose; the US Open champion will start his final round six shots off his rival after carding a four-under 64, while Graeme McDowell has an outside chance after his third round of 68.

Rory McIlroy is poised at 10-under, while Lee Westwood is one shot better at 11-under following his impressive round of 65.

Stenson is aiming to become the first player to win the Race to Dubai and the Fed Ex Cup in the same season, while victory will ensure him as European No. 1.

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