DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Nicolai Hojgaard moved into position to win the season-ending World Tour Championship for a second time by taking a three-stroke lead on Friday, though a slew of Europe’s Ryder Cup stars were well placed to pounce.The chasing pack included Rory McIlroy, whose brilliant short game salvaged a 69 in the second round that kept him on track to capture a fourth straight year-long Race to Dubai title for being Europe’s No. 1 player.McIlroy was tied for second place in a five-man group that included Justin Rose (67) and Shane Lowry (67). Fellow Ryder Cuppers Robert MacIntrye (67) and Tommy Fleetwood (71) were a further stroke back and Tyrrell Hatton (67) one more shot adrift.They were all looking up at the 70th-ranked Hojgaard, who didn’t make the Ryder Cup team this time — that honor fell to his twin brother, Rasmus — but is showing a reminder of his ability at the Earth Course this week.The 24-year-old Dane shot 65, the low round of the day, to back up his opening 67 and was 12 under for the week. Hojgaard won the tournament in 2023, didn’t qualify for it last year, but is dominating a star-studded field on his return.His only other 36-hole lead on the European tour was at the World …
