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Doha - Martin Kaymer could take over as world number one next week, but the young German said on Wednesday that was one of the last thoughts on his mind.
The 26-year-old will leapfrog Lee Westwood at the summit of the rankings if he is first or second at the Qatar Masters, and the Briton is outside the top 22.
"If I say I want to be number one in the world it would not be my honest answer, and I will just be telling you that because it is what you want to hear me say," the second-ranked Kaymer told reporters on the eve of the tournament.
"My goal is what I have said many times before, and that is not to become number one right now. For me it's just important to play tournaments, win those tournaments, and then if I take care of that, then yes I will become number one one day.
"But at the moment I'm not focusing on my world ranking," added the U.S. PGA champion.
Kaymer has had a week off since winning the Abu Dhabi Championship for the third time in four years.
While he clearly enjoys the course in Abu Dhabi, he has struggled in three previous appearances in Qatar, missing the cut in 2008, tying for 31st a year later and finishing 32nd in 2010.
Westwood has also had a week off. He tied for third here 12 months ago, but said the course could be a tougher challenge this time.
"The rough is up compared to last year, and the greens are certainly very firm," said the Englishman.
"I played well last year even though I smashed my driver on the Saturday when I had just got into the lead, so hopefully all will go to plan on this occasion."
