Woods out to end drought
The American’s 281-week reign was brought to an end at the weekend after Martin Kaymer failed to claim a top-two finish at the Andalucia Masters, allowing Westwood to move to the top of the rankings.
Woods is determined to ensure his stay at number two is a short one, although he faces a tough task with Kaymer and defending champion Phil Mickelson all capable of becoming number one in Shanghai.
And while the 34-year-old may be more accustomed to defending his position, he is taking the same approach to the tournament as any other, with his focus squarely on claiming victory.
“I come to every event with the same intention and that is to win golf tournaments,” Woods said.
“Whether I’m ranked number one or not, that has not changed and it never will. That’s why I come to golf events and get the win.
“It’s a hell of a field out there this week and it’s going to be a lot of fun to go out there and try to win the event.”
Not only is Woods bidding for a swift return to the top of the rankings, he is also looking to end his worst run in 14 years as a professional, having failed to win a single tournament this year.
But Woods refused to dwell too much on his poor form, adding: “I’ve gone through periods like this before in the past. “In order to become number one in the world and to be able to have the sustainability, I’ve won golf tournaments.
“It’s something I haven’t done lately and it’s a matter of going out there and competing and winning golf tournaments. And winning enough tournaments, it will take care of itself.”
Meanwhile Woods’ great rival Mickelson says he is reacting well to treatment for arthritis as his bid for the number one ranking resumes at this week’s HSBC Champions event.
The 40-year-old has been suffering from psoriatic arthritis since before June’s US Open and his best result since was a tie for eighth at the BMW Championship.
“I’ve had good time off. I’m on a good medicine. Things feel pretty good,” said the American world number four.
“I’ve been taking one drug and I feel 100%. I cannot believe the difference.”
Mickelson revealed in August that had been coping with the condition since the week prior to the US Open and his results appear to have suffered at a consequence.
After finishing tied for fourth at Pebble Beach, he could only manage a share of 48th at the Open, 46th at the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational and 12th at the USPGA Championship.
He missed the cut at The Barclays, came joint-25th at the Deutsche Bank Championship, eighth at the BMW Championship and 22nd at the Tour Championship.
“The US Open, I might have been affected,” said Mickelson, who has never reached world number one and missed 12 chances to replace Woods as number one this year.
“But I’m excited where I’m at, excited I can work out the same and get back into the gym, and get back to work again.
“I feel terrific. I’ve been able to do all the normal activities in my life. I’ve been able to practice at whatever level, and I honestly don’t feel any different than I did before.”
Mickelson’s attention now shifts to Shanghai, where he is the defending champion and has been paired with England’s Westwood for the opening round.
The world number one mantle could again switch hands at the Sheshan International Golf Course.
Westwood has a narrow lead over Woods and Kaymer, with Mickelson in fourth.
Mickelson is likely to need at least a fourth-place finish to be in with a chance of clinching top spot, depending on how his rivals fare.
When asked if it was frustrating to see the number one ranking fall into someone else’s hands after all the time he spent at number two behind Woods, Mickelson had no complaints.
“I haven’t played well since the Masters, or as well as I expected maybe since the US Open,” he said.
“So I don’t feel like I’ve earned it. I’ve got to play well and win more tournaments and then I feel like those results will take care of itself.”
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