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Poulter takes two-shot lead

DUBAI — Overnight leader Ian Poulter insists a victory following the final round of the Dubai World Championship on Sunday would rank among the biggest of his career.

The Englishman, at 12-under, is two shots clear of a triumvirate of talent, Ross Fisher, Thongchai Jaidee and Francesco Molinari, who are all level in second.

And, if he can maintain that advantage to the close of play this afternoon, Poulter is adamant the success would sit comfortably alongside his World Match Play Championship success in February and his Volvo Masters triumph back in 2004.

“It would be right up there behind it (The World Match Play) to be honest,” the 34-year-old said. “The Volvo Masters in 2004 was probably my next biggest win after the Match Play, so this would certainly pip that. It’s become a bigger event and it means more, so it would be a huge win.”

Poulter readily admits he prefers to front-run, than chase, at this stage in proceedings and he is bullish about his chances from such an advantageous position as first on the leaderboard. “I feel happy and it’s great. I’m in the driving seat; I’m two in front and it’s better than being behind, so I feel pretty confident. It was important today (Saturday) to go out there, play solidly and bank a few birdies. I figured the guys from behind were going to shoot a decent score.

“I felt I dropped two silly bogeys on holes that I really feel I should have taken advantage of (five and nine). That was the only frustration of the day. Apart from that, it was pretty solid.”

Poulter would achieve back-to-back titles for the first time were he to prevail this afternoon, having claimed the Hong Kong Open last week.

There’s no doubting he is a man in form and that elusive world number one ranking may start to loom large on the horizon if this streak continues on into 2011.

“There’s lots of interesting scenarios that could happen tomorrow,” Poulter added. “One of which is a win and a move up the world rankings. It’s exciting and I cannot wait.

“There are great things that come from playing well. And, the way I’m playing right now, I feel very happy. It’s about keeping your focus when you’re playing well. I played well at the start of this year and obviously got sidetracked through the middle parts. It was easy to do that. If you focus properly, stay rested and commit to every shot, then you can win golf tournaments. If you’re going to do that, you’re going to move up the world rankings and that’s my goal – to just keep trying to move forward and bettering myself every time.”