HONG KONG: Ryder Cup star Rory McIlroy vowed Wednesday to lay to rest the ghost of two runners-up spots at the Hong Kong Open and make it third-time-lucky against a glittering field. The current world No. 10, who tees off in the southern Chinese city Thursday, lost a thrilling play-off to Taiwan's Lin Wen-Tang in 2008 before falling just short a year later against Frenchman Gregory Bourdy. “It's fair to say that I have some unfinished business in Hong Kong,” said the 21-year-old from Northern Ireland. “I won't rest until I have the UBS Hong Kong Open title in my bag.” McIlroy, who described the event as one of his favourite weeks of the year, revealed he would be relaxing ahead of the tournament with a visit to the city's Happy Valley racecourse. “Obviously I've got great memories from this place,” he said of the Hong Kong Golf Club. “You know, playing a couple of times as a junior here with the likes of (England pro) Oli Fisher and guys that I grew up with, and coming so close the last couple of years, I've just got fond memories of the place. We stay in the city and we have a good time.” McIlroy caused a stir Tuesday after arriving in Hong Kong sporting new blond highlights. Among McIlroy's biggest rivals in a wide-open field will be compatriot Graeme McDowell and defending Hong Kong Open champion Gregory Bourdy, as well as PGA Tour star John Daly and China's top pro, Liang Wen-Chong. McIlroy, McDowell and Ian Poulter were instrumental in Europe's momentous Ryder Cup win in October, as was two-time Hong Kong Open champion Miguel Angel Jimenez, who returns in search of his third title. “Looking at the world rankings from a points perspective anybody in the top 10 in the world who has a good six months can find themselves moving up the world ranking high enough to contend for that number one spot – and that's something I'm aiming for,” said Poulter. The Englishman said the course was in the best condition he'd ever seen and favoured “positional golf”. “I've had seven birdies in the Pro-Am today,” he said. “So you can shoot any score on this golf course if you really get it going, take advantage of the par fives that you can reach in two and also take advantage of some of the short fours.” The Europeans will be performing under the watchful eye of their Ryder Cup team captain and vice captain, Colin Montgomerie and Paul McGinley, both of whom are also competing in Hong Kong. “I'm very much looking forward to the UBS Hong Kong Open,” said 2005 winner Montgomerie. “The Hong Kong Golf Club is one of my favourite venues and having won there in the past offers me a great opportunity to get back in the winner's enclosure.” The UBS Hong Kong Open is co-sanctioned by the European Tour, the Asian Tour and the Hong Kong Golf Association. – Agence France
