Rory in doubt

> Dodgy sandwich puts McIlroy in an unfamiliar position for WGC

Aclub sandwich could derail Rory McIlroy’s (caricature) anticipated showdown with Jordan Spieth and a stellar field at this week’s World Golf Championships-HSBC Champions in Shanghai beginning today.

Race to Dubai leader McIlroy had stomach pains which forced him to miss a colourful tournament launch event yesterday, and despite being seen on the practice green early yesterday, he pulled out of his pro-am tee time.

“I’m not feeling great to be honest,” he said before retiring to his hotel room. “I had something (to eat) a couple of nights ago and yesterday wasn’t good at all.

“I thought I would be better this morning... and I came here and tried to hit some balls, but even just making a couple of swings my stomach was too sore. So I just need another day of rest and hopefully I will be better tomorrow and I can play.”

McIlroy had tweeted a picture yesterday of part of a room service menu which had “Club Sandwich” and “Japanese Baked Eel Set” listed.

“Who would have thought the eel would be the safer bet!?” he tweeted.

The world No. 3 has 24 hours to recover before his first-round tee time today when he is due to play alongside world number five Rickie Fowler and bighitting, eighth-ranked Dustin Johnson.

World No. 2 and 2015 double major champion Jordan Spieth will start favourite today when he tees off alongside the defending champion at Sheshan Golf Club, fourth-ranked Bubba Watson, and Sweden’s Henrik Stenson, the world No. 7.

Spieth, 22, has not played competitive golf since the Presidents Cup in South Korea a month ago.

“I’ve had a few weeks off, and didn’t touch a club for a couple of weeks after the Presidents Cup,” Spieth told AFP.

“I was able to get some rest and this being a World Golf Championships event it’s one I certainly want to bring my best game to. My energy level is high, I’m good to go.”

Stenson said he has had a solid season but just needed to get the win that has so far eluded him to make it a memorable 2015.

“The best of the best are here and it’s going to be a tricky week if you want to up there,” said the Swede.

“It would be very nice to finish with a win, no question about it. We know 2013 was a great, great year for me.

“I think if I could finish off with a win these last couple of tournaments then it would probably make this year the second best of my career.” – AFP