Rory relishing Tiger battles

Rory McIlroy expects to have plenty more battles with Tiger Woods this year following the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship.

The Holywood golfer had only played twice with Woods before last week. But that figure has trebled, with the US Open winning duo playing a practice round and the opening three rounds in Abu Dhabi together.

And at the end of the tournament won by England’s Robert Rock, just a stroke separated McIlroy, who finished second, from Woods, tied in third place. Leaving Abu Dhabi, McIlroy predicted spending more time in Woods’ company throughout the season.