Dubai leader Ian Poulter aims to cap perfect season for Europe

Ian Poulter will aim to put the seal on a glorious year for European golf by winning the season-ending Dubai World Championship on Sunday.       

The 34-year-old Briton takes a two-stroke lead into the final round at the Greg Norman-designed Earth course after a three-under-par 69 on Saturday gave him a 12-under aggregate of 204.       

"I am in the driving seat and it's better than being two behind," Poulter told reporters. "I am feeling pretty confident."                

Victory would give the Englishman back-to-back titles after he triumphed at the Hong Kong Open last weekend.                                           

European players have sparkled all year, with Graeme McDowell winning the US Open, Martin Kaymer lifting the US PGA Championship and Colin Montgomerie's home team defeating the United States in a thrilling Ryder Cup in Wales last month.                                           

In joint second place in Dubai are Briton Ross Fisher, Italian Francesco Molinari and Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand.

Kaymer, four shots clear of only challenger McDowell, is all set to clinch the European money-list title on Sunday.                           

He could even overtake Lee Westwood at the top of the world rankings if he wins the tournament and Westwood is lower than second, or if the German comes second and the Briton is outside the top 27.                                           

Westwood was three shots ahead of Kaymer after the third round.