Rose keen to smell success

This could be the biggest weekend of Justin Rose’s career. And not just because he might end it as the European Tour’s youngest number one since Ronan Rafferty in 1989.

If Rose lifts the Volvo Masters at Valderrama – he resumes today four strokes clear of Padraig Harrington with 36 holes to go – the 27-year-old may also find himself leaping as high as sixth in the world.

Not bad for somebody whose professional career began with 21 successive missed cuts.

From the sort of start that might have crushed the dreams of many a player Rose has battled back and now, nine years on from that unforgettable fourth place finish in The Open as a 17-year-old amateur, everything seems to be coming up roses.

Another head-to-head with Harrington, though, means that there is still all to play for in Spain.

Nothing is guaranteed yet. Open champion Harrington has far from given up the hope of making a successful defence of his money list crown, Ernie Els might hang on to top spot – and even Swede Niclas Fasth could yet pass them all and grab the plaudits.

However, a second round 68 that was the lowest score of the day by two has lifted Rose into centre stage.

Relieved to be quickly over the stomach upset he went down with just before the start of the tournament, the young Englishman is four under par at halfway and in control of his own destiny.

As long as he ends up ahead of Harrington, a third place finish tomorrow afternoon would be sufficient to give him the Order of Merit title with Els having controversially decided to miss the season-ending event and instead go to Singapore to fill his wheelbarrow full of appearance money. He missed the cut yesterday.

Not having won a trophy since the Australian Masters last November Rose said: “It would be nice to cap off the year with a bit of silverware.

“There’s no doubt that’s hopefully in the plans, but at the same time I’m focusing on what I’ve got to do not get ahead of myself, not adding any extra pressure, which is what that may be.

“I’m very focused right now. I’m staying in the moment and that’s why I’m playing so well. That’s ultimately the mindset I’ve got to keep.”

Harrington, a mere £461 ahead of Rose on the Order of Merit in a campaign where they have earned nearly £3.2million between them, pipped Paul Casey last year by charging into joint second place on the final day at Valderrama.

Amazingly the Dubliner was down in 20th place after starting that closing round bogey-bogey, so his current situation is one he would have happily taken before teeing off again this afternoon.

Rose says he likes the fact they are the last pair out once more.

“It’s great. I think it’s exciting for everybody involved. Part of the job is putting on a show and entertaining to a certain extent.”

More blustery conditions were forecast for the third round and the expected gusts were such that officials decided to cut some of the rough.

Harrington’s two level par 71s have been good enough to put him second on his own. He described a four-stroke deficit as “significant”, but added: “It’s very much game on for the tournament and the Order of Merit.

“With 36 holes to go I’ve got to manage my own golf and try and move forward. His scoring is very impressive and if he shoots another four under for the next two days I think he will be the Volvo Masters champion.

“I’ve seen major courses that have been easier. Strategy is probably the number one quality you need out there.”

Fasth has to win to come into the equation and he entered the third round in joint 10th place on three over par, seven behind.