McIlroy relishing battle for top spot

RORY McILROY insists he is prepared to take the battle to become Europe’s number one to the wire after the Ulsterman lost his place at the top of the standings to Lee Westwood at the weekend.

The 36-year-old Westwood claimed a dramatic victory at the Portugal Masters on Sunday to move €200,000 ahead of McIlroy in the Race to Dubai.

McIlroy’s bid for the Harry Vardon Trophy continues at next week’s World Matchplay before he takes part in the HSBC Champions in Shanghai, the Hong Kong Open and finally the decisive Dubai World Championship.