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Dubai - Four-times major winner Rory McIlroy has effectively given up on his chances of finishing the season as European No 1 at this week's DP World Tour Championship in Dubai.
The 27-year-old is chasing his third consecutive European money-list title but recognises that Swedes Henrik Stenson and Alex Noren and Danny Willett of England are in a better position.
McIlroy is fourth on the list and needs to triumph in Dubai with Stenson finishing outside the top 45, Willett failing to make the top fiv and Noren the top two.
"Mathematically, I can win but it's not going to
happen, I wouldn't hold my breath," the Northern Irishman told reporters
on Tuesday.
"I think the three guys that are ahead of me are playing very good golf especially Henrik and Alex. I don't expect those guys to play badly this week so I'm just concentrating on trying to win the golf tournament."
"I know if I win this tournament I'll finish the year
at world No 1 so it's a big incentive for me," he said. "It would be
nice to have that little bit of momentum going into next year."
McIlroy has a good record in the European Tour's
season-ending event with two wins and only one finish outside the top 10 in
seven visits.ways good to be back here," he said.
"It doesn't seem like seven years ago we played our first one here in
2009.memories from this place. Last year I had
a great battle with Andy Sullivan and was able to come out on top so I'm
looking forward to the week.
"I feel like my game is in pretty good shape. I've
played this course pretty well in the past and hopefully can play it just as
well, if not better, this week," McIlroy said.
The $8 million Dubai tournament starts on Thursday.
