R2D contenders

We take a look at what the nine contenders to win the European Tour's Race to Dubai title need to do this week

Henrik Stenson: The man everyone must catch at this week's Race to Dubai finale

The Race to Dubai reaches its climax this week with the DP World Tour Championship bringing the curtain down on the European Tour season.

What's more, there promises to be a thrilling finale at the Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai with no fewer than nine players in with a chance of being crowned as Europe's No 1.

Currently leading the way is Henrik Stenson, with the Swede having enjoyed a stellar campaign that has seen him re-establish himself at the game's top table.

A Race to Dubai title (or an Order of Merit in old money) would cap a remarkable season for the 37-year-old who, just a few years back, had dipped as low as 621st in the world after a dramatic loss of form and fitness.

But Stenson is by no means guaranteed to walk away victorious this week, with an $8 million prize fund offering his pursuers a chance to overtake him at the last.

The men chasing down the Swede are... Justin Rose, Graeme McDowell, Ian Poulter, Jamie Donaldson, Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano, Thongchai Jaidee, Richard Sterne and, following his maiden European Tour triumph in Turkey last weekend, Victor Dubuisson.

We take a look at all the possible permutations heading into this week's event and find out who needs what to clinch that prized No.1 spot.

Race to Dubai standings

1) Henrik Stenson 2,379,195

2) Justin Rose 2,165,727

3) Graeme McDowell 2,057,395

4) Ian Poulter 2,035,289

5) Jamie Donaldson 1,787,159

6) Gonzalo F-Castano 1,559,462

7) Thongchai Jaidee 1,464,747

8) Richard Sterne 1,457,146

9) Victor Dubuisson 1,444,070

10) Thomas Bjorn 1,407,780

1. Supposing Stenson does the bare minimum and finishes in last place this week, what would his rivals need to do...

Justin Rose - needs fifth or better

Graeme McDowell - needs third or better

Ian Poulter - needs third or better

Jamie Donaldson - needs second or better

Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano - Needs to win

Thongchai Jaidee - Needs to win

Richard Sterne - Needs to win

Victor Dubuisson - Needs to win

2. Supposing any of the nine contenders wins this week's event...

If Henrik Stenson, Justin Rose or Graeme McDowell win the DP World Tour Championship, they will win The Race to Dubai

If Ian Poulter wins - Stenson needs to finish second

If Donaldson wins - Stenson and Rose need second

If Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano wins - Stenson needs seventh, Rose top three, McDowell and Poulter top two

If Jaidee wins - Stenson needs 19th , Rose fourth, McDowell and Poulter top two

If Sterne wins - Stenson needs 23rd , Rose fourth, McDowell, Poulter and Donaldson top two

If Dubuisson wins - Stenson needs 31st, Rose fourth, McDowell third and Poulter and Donaldson top two

McDowell: In the hunt

3. Supposing the leading contenders place at this week's event...

If Rose is second - Stenson will have to win to clinch the Race to Dubai

If Rose is third - Stenson has to finish seventh or better

If Rose finishes fourth - Stenson needs 18th or better

If Rose finishes fifth - Stenson needs 53rd or better

If McDowell finishes second - Stenson needs third or better

If McDowell finishes third - Stenson needs 24th or better

If Poulter finishes second - Stenson needs third or better

If Poulter finishes third - Stenson needs 38th or better

If Donaldson finishes second - Stenson needs 24th or better