Jordan Spieth in sights as eager Rory McIlroy aims for the top

Rory McIlroy insists he will not get into a personal duel with Jordan Spieth at the HSBC Golf Championship in Abu Dhabi this week but is gunning to return to the top of the world rankings.

The Irishman is looking to move above Jason Day into second in the world rankings by winning a tournament he has finished second in four times in the last five years, and use it as a stepping stone back to the top.

“I want to play my best and I don’t have to just beat Jordan Spieth this week. I have to beat another 122 guys,” said 26-year-old McIlroy.