World number two Rory McIlroy has gotten his title defence back on track in the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai.
But he admits he will still need help from elsewhere to claim a fourth victory of the season.
McIlroy struggled to an opening 75 on Thursday, his first over-par score in the event, nine shots behind overnight leader Lee Westwood.
And although a second round of 68 on Friday got him back into the mix, McIlroy was realistic about his chances.
"I have to wait and see what the guys do this afternoon," McIlroy said after a round containing six birdies and two bogeys.
"I guess if I'm within eight or nine shots going into the weekend, I still feel like I have a decent chance.
"But it all depends on what Lee and the guys do this afternoon. If I'm too far back, then I don't think I'll be able to make up that much ground."
Tyrrell Hatton had set the clubhouse target of seven under par which was matched by former Masters champion Charl Schwartzel and Austria's Bernd Wiesberger.
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