Rory McIlroy is level at the top of the DP World Tour Championship leaderboard after a two-under-par round of 70, putting the Northern Irishman firmly in contention for a record-equalling eighth Race to Dubai title

Rory McIlroy believes the Earth Course at Jumeirah Golf Estates is playing tougher than at any point in his 17 years competing there, despite strengthening his bid for a record-equalling eighth Race to Dubai title.

The Northern Irishman shared the lead with Ryder Cup team-mate Tyrrell Hatton after the second round of the DP World Tour Championship, but admitted he had become increasingly frustrated with the demanding conditions in Dubai.

Back to back Masters champion McIlroy carded a two-under-par 70 to reach five under overall, with a birdie on the 18th ensuring he remained alongside Hatton at the top of the leaderboard.

However, reflecting on his round to Sky Sports, the six-time major champion suggested the course was presenting an exceptional challenge.

"I played very solidly for the first 11 holes then I felt like I put myself out of position, and once you do that on this golf course it starts to get very difficult.

"If anything I started to get frustrated with the course. I've been coming to this course for 17 years and this is the toughest I think it's ever played. You just have to show a little bit of patience out there.

"It's easy to make bogeys but it's nice to birdie the last and feel like I salvaged the day a little bit."

McIlroy had initially looked set to take control of the tournament, producing three birdies in his opening 10 holes to reach four under for the round.

However, his momentum stalled over the closing stages, with three birdies across the subsequent six holes leaving him fighting to maintain his position near the summit before his crucial birdie at the last.

The 35-year-old's position leaves him firmly in contention to equal Colin Montgomerie's record of eight Race to Dubai titles. He will secure the crown on Sunday if he wins the tournament, or finishes runner-up provided current standings leader Eugenio Chacarra does not claim victory.

Rory McIlroy can win up to $5 million in total prize money this weekend at the DP World Tour Championship. That maximum payout comes from winning both the tournament itself and the season-long Race to Dubai title

Chacarra remains a threat after recovering from a difficult start to post a one-under-par 71. Beginning the day in 23rd position, the Spaniard produced back-to-back birdies on the closing holes to move to one under overall and a share of 11th.

Jon Rahm also remains in contention, sitting three strokes behind the leaders after consecutive rounds of one-under-par 71. The former Masters champion can still win the Race to Dubai, but needs to claim the tournament while McIlroy finishes no better than third and Chacarra places no higher than ninth.

Hatton matched McIlroy at the top with an excellent three-under-par 69, despite dropping shots on the 10th and 17th.

South Africa's Jayden Schaper produced one of the day's standout performances, carding a 68 to move within three strokes of the lead. An eagle at the second helped underpin his impressive round.

Meanwhile, opening-round leader Joost Luiten struggled to reproduce his earlier form. The Dutchman managed just one birdie, on the fifth, during a one-over-par 73 that saw him slip back to a share of third.

With the course proving particularly unforgiving and the Race to Dubai title still up for grabs, McIlroy will need to draw on all his experience over the weekend as he attempts to make history and match Montgomerie's record of eight season-long crowns.