GREAT WOW OF CHINA

After Shanghai super show, Rory targets Koepka’s world No.1 tag

RORY MCILROY narrowed the gap on world No.1 Brooks Koepka – only to be told he is already the best player in the world.

Mcilroy recorded his fourth victory of the year by seeing off defending champion Xander Schauffele with a birdie at the first extra hole to win the WGC-HSBC Champions in Shanghai.

And the world No.2 immediately targeted another title in his last event in Dubai – with Koepka also in his sights.

“I’m trying to chase him down,” said Mcilroy. “I’m still a little behind but I’m getting there. This win definitely helps and, if I can get another win by the end of the year, I’ll be feeling pretty good heading into 2020.

“I’m excited for the future. I feel like this year compares to 2014, 2015, but I don’t see any reason why I can’t go ahead

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and have an even better year next year.”

World No.10 Schauffele, fighting off flu, said of Mcilroy: “When he’s on, I’d say he’s arguably the best player in the world. He made me play better. I know what I need to do to become a better player.”

Koepka, who is out with a knee injury, and Mcilroy have now left the rest trailing at the top of the world rankings. The US PGA champion claimed last month he does not have a rivalry with Mcilroy because the 30-year-old has not won a Major since 2014.

But Mcilroy was voted PGA Player of the Year by his fellow pros after winning the Players

Championship and the Fedex Cup. And he can move within touching distance of Koepka in the rankings by winning the European Tour’s season-ending DP World Tour Championship before taking his winter holiday.

“I’m looking forward to that break but I’ve still got one more tournament left this year at a place where I’ve had some success, so I want to try to finish the year on a high note,” he said.

“I really wanted to get another win before the end of the year. Now it would be nice to get two.”

Mcilroy won his third WGC title – and first since 2015 – by playing his final 39 holes without dropping a shot to finish on 19 under at Sheshan International. But his playing partner Schauffele birdied the 72nd hole to force the play-off before the Ulsterman hit a 4-iron to 25-feet to set up a birdie.

“Xander pushed me the whole way,” said Mcilroy.