McIlroy feeling green

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Northern Irishman Rory McIlroy is suffering from a virus ahead of this week's season-ending Dubai World Championship.

The second-ranked McIlroy, 22, ensured the duel to top the European Tour's money list, the Race to Dubai, will go down to the wire after his win at the Hong Kong Open on Sunday.

McIlroy needs to win and hope world No.1 Luke Donald finishes 10th or worse in the United Arab Emirates, to snare the wealthy purse.

But the US Open champion, who has played constantly since late September, is struggling with his health heading into the tournament, which starts on Thursday.

"I visited the doctor yesterday. I won't get the results back until later in the week," McIlroy said on Tuesday.

"I picked up a virus and my white blood cell count was very low, so the tests were to see if it's back up again."

Speaking ahead of the pro-am event at Jumeirah Golf Estates, McIlroy admits he may not be 100 percent for the European Tour event.

"I'm not energy-wise where I want to be, but I took a day off yesterday and took it easy," McIlroy said. "I'm going to play the pro-am today and practice and I'll probably take another day off tomorrow - maybe hit a few balls.

"I'll really try and conserve my energy and focus it all into the four tournament days. I'm not 100 percent, but I'm still able to go out and play 18 holes and try and give it my all.

"I've still got a slim chance of trying to win the Race to Dubai. It's going to be a tough ask, but I'll give my best and it would be great to finish the year on a high."

McIlroy is due to play at the Thailand Championship, which begins on December 15, but his participation depends on his health.

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