Rose (right) was a distant 10th on the money list until his wins in China and Turkey. A third straight victory in Dubai would see him end the season as European No1 for a second time.

The Olympic champion carded a third round of 65 at Jumeirah Golf Estates to finish 15 under par, a shot ahead of playing partner Jon Rahm and South Africa’s Dylan Frittelli, whose 63 was the lowest score of the week.

Race to Dubai leader Tommy Fleetwood matched Rose’s score to remain two behind, with Dean Burmester and Kiradech Aphibarnrat, but Rose has the upper hand.

“You couldn’t have scripted it much better,” Rose said after a round containing seven birdies and a crucial par save on the 18th, where he found the water in front of the green.

“Tommy’s last two rounds have been incredible and he is right there should I make any kind of mistake. He is doing everything he has and I’m doing the same, so it’s perfectly set up.

“Tommy’s had the pressure of leading all year and I played with a lot of freedom because I had nothing to lose.” 

Fleetwood came into the week with a lead of 256,738 points and recovered from an opening 73 with consecutive rounds of 65. 

He birdied eight of the last 11 holes and said: “I will be gutted if I don’t win but made up for Justin because he will deserve it. It’s a massive thing, the biggest thing I’ve ever tried to achieve.”