Rory McIlroy conceded defeat on Saturday in his attempt to top the European Tour money list ahead of world number one Luke Donald.
Englishman Donald is in position to become the first man to top both the US PGA and European Tour standings for earnings in a single season.
McIlroy has to win the Dubai World Championship to finish ahead of Donald, but is now six shots behind leader Alvaro Quiros with one round remaining at the Jumeirah Golf Estates.
The Northern Irishman could only manage a second successive one-under-par 71, and is tied in eighth place for the tournament.
"It's over - definitely," McIlroy said."And Luke deserves it."
McIlroy has been struggling with the effects of Dengue fever, which he contracted playing in Asia in October and November.
The world number two was three-over par for the first nine holes on Saturday, but did manage four birdies on the way back in to salvage something from his third round.
"I'm tired. I'm very tired," he said."But I don't want to say that's the cause of playing the way I did on the front nine because I came back.
"I'm not 100 per cent, but that should not stop me. I was trying to stay patient and hit good shots, but I just couldn't do it.
"Luke has played well all year and I expect him to have another solid round.
"I don't think he's been given enough credit for the golf he's played, but from within the golfing family I am sure he will receive a lot of plaudits."
While Donald now appears set to finish ahead of McIlroy and complete his historic achievement, the 34-year-old is taking nothing for granted with 18 holes remaining.
"I would be foolish to think it's over," he said."Tomorrow it will be just like any other day in terms of my focus.
"It (his focus) will be on trying to catch whoever is the leader and trying to win the tournament. I'm not going to count on anything.
"But if it all works out tomorrow night will be fun - it would be a pretty amazing feat. It's history."