Rory McIlroy is struggling with a debilitating virus that may derail his late challenge for the Race to Dubai title.
The US Open winner has had the virus for the last month and recently had to spend three days on a drip to allow him to continue playing.
McIlroy, who won in Hong Kong at the weekend and is 8/1 with bookmaker to pip Luke Donald to the European Tour money list title, told reporters: “I won’t get the results back until later on this week. I picked up a virus and my white blood cell count was very low, so the tests were to see if it’s back up again.
“I’m not energy-wise where I want to be, but I’ve taken a day off and took it easy. I’ll really try and conserve my energy and focus it all into the four tournament days.”
The Northern Irishman is 5/1 to win the Dubai World Championship.