US Open champion Rory McIlroy is determined to push Luke Donald all the way in the Race to Dubai.
The Ulsterman hopes that he can close the gap on Donald this week when he takes part in the WGC HSBC Champions event, a tournament that he is 9/2 with bookmaker to win.
McIlroy is also keen to become the world number one although he is currently behind both Donald and Lee Westwood, who is 8/1 to win this week, in the standings.
Donald is chasing an unprecedented double after winning the PGA Tour money list title last month in Florida but misses this week’s tournament as his wife is expecting their second child.
McIlroy is aiming to take full advantage, saying: “I want to get closer to Luke. I know he’s not playing this week and I feel I’m playing well enough to contend there. A big week could put me in the frame to win the Race to Dubai.”