Lee Westwood is now a massive favourite to win the European Tour money list on Sunday after Rory McIlroy had a nightmare finish to his Dubai World Championship third round.

Joint leader when he birdied the 15th, the 20-year-old bogeyed the last three holes and then fell five behind when Westwood closed with a birdie.

Westwood, who entered the week with a deficit of more than £114,000, cannot be stopped if he wins the tournament and is on target for a £1.6million pay-day. On 15 under par following a superb bogey-free 66, he leads by two from fellow Englishman Ross McGowan (66) and by five from McIlroy, Padraig Harrington and Swede Alexander Noren.

"I got myself in the position I wanted to be in, but after that finish I've left myself an uphill task," said the Northern Ireland golfer, trying to become the youngest number one since Seve Ballesteros in 1976.

"But I've still got a shot to win this - I feel a low round is in me and I feel it's necessary. The guys ahead of me are playing well."