German professional golfer Martin Kaymer has revealed his plan to prevent world number two Rory McIlroy from reaching the top of the money list by taking the crown at the upcoming Dubai World Championship, which is set to take place this weekend.
The 26-year-old claimed denying his Northern Irish opponent - who is currently second in the Race to Dubai - of the title is his primary aim going into the DP World-presented competition, despite being unable to take the top spot himself.
McIlroy must win this weekend's tournament and world number one
Luke Donald has to finish outside the top nine for the 22-year-old to triumph over his English opponent.
But Kaymer stated Donald's performance over the last 12 months means he is the rightful winner of the Race to Dubai, as well as becoming the first player to top the money lists on both the PGA and European tours.
"The way he played
golf this year and the last two years, he deserves to be the number one in the world and I hope for him that he will win here this week, because that is what he deserves," Kaymer commented. "He played great golf, and it would be nice for him."
Donald and McIlroy's highly-anticipated duel is not dissimilar to the German's competition with Northern Ireland's Graeme McDowell just one year ago when they were the only contenders for the Race to Dubai trophy.
Another contender for the title at the Dubai World Championship is world number three
Lee Westwood, who has enjoyed a series of impressive performances in the last few weeks including a win at the Nedbank Golf Challenge on Sunday (December 4th).
The 38-year-old Englishman currently stands in fifth place on the money list and has revealed he is hoping to enjoy further success on a course that provides a number of happy memories, including his stunning 2009 victory.
"It's good to be back," he said. "I always play pretty well in Dubai and I'm looking forward to this week."
The 38-year-old went on to express his confidence in his newly-improved putting skills, which were formerly a frequent source of frustration for the talented player.
Westwood will also be hoping to prevent Rory McIlroy from taking the crown at the upcoming event, but his main opponent Luke Donald has been full of nothing but praise for his young competitor, claiming he is more talented than 14-time major winner
Tiger Woods.
