JUSTIN Rose is up to second in the European Tour’s Race to Dubai standings after finishing in a tie for third place at the Turkish Airlines Open.

The north Hampshire golfing ace finished the tournament, played at Montgomerie Maxx Royal, in Antalya, Turkey, on -20 to share third place with Tiger Woods, four shots behind winner Victor Dubuisson.

The result means that Rose would win the European Tour’s Harry Vardon Trophy for a second time with victory at the season-ending DP World Tour Championship this weekend.

Rose made a solid start to the Turkish Airlines Open, a first round of 70 (-2) keeping him in contention, while a birdie-free second round of 66 (-6) meant he was just four shots off the lead going into the weekend.

The 33-year-old, who grew up in Hook, shot 67 (-5) on Saturday to sit eighth, eight shots off the lead going into the closing round.

Rose put himself in contention for the title by getting off to a fine start yesterday. He made eagle at the par-five fourth hole and was seven-under-par through 13 holes.

He bogeyed 14 and while birdies followed at 15 and 16, a bogey at the final hole meant he had to share third place with Woods.

Rose is now second in the Race to Dubai Standings, 213,468 points behind leader Henrik Stenson.

However, victory at this weekend’s DP World Tour Championship would see the former Robert May’s School pupil overhaul the gap and finish top of the European Tour standings for a second time.

Rose said: “I think I’ve gained some ground. It’s nice to be able to control your own fate next week.

“If I go in and have a good week, win a golf tournament, which is obviously the aim any time you tee it up, that’s going to obviously be the exact scenario I’m looking for.

“Fifth last week, tied for third this week. I like the way that’s trending towards number one.”