Rory, Yang in Korean showdown

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US Open rivals Rory McIlroy and YE Yang are set to compete for the OneAsia Korea Open in October, with Rickie Fowler also due to attend.

South Korean Yang was paired with McIlroy in the final group of the US Open in June, and watched first hand as the Northern Irishman cruised to an eight-shot victory at the Congressional Club.

McIlroy's first major championship win has seen his global popularity soar and he is sure to be a huge draw card for the galleries at the Woo Jeong Hills Country Club in Cheonan, between October 6 and 9.

"I eagerly look forward to taking part in the Kolon Korea Open again," McIlroy said.

"I remember enjoying playing in the Kolon Korea Open at the Woo Jeong Hills CC back in 2009. I felt welcomed and received generous support from the Korean fans."

McIlroy, 22, was complimentary of his final-round opponent in Maryland, predicting the world number 35 would be the biggest obstacle to winning his first tournament in Asia.

"It was very impressive to play with Y. E. Yang," McIlroy said.

"Even though I was leading by many strokes in the final round, I couldn-t take it easy until the very end as he tends to make bold approaches and storm to victory. I expect us to be neck-and-neck this time considering he has the home advantage."

"The Woo Jeong Hills CC is a great course that requires both good playing and mental skills. It is a long course with critical points including a late par-three over water. I want to adopt a strategy to aim right for the pin as I have been getting good distance from my iron lately."

Yang, who claimed a share of 16th place at last week's British Open, is looking forward to going up against the world number four.

"I heard Rory McIlroy is to take part in the Kolon Korea Open and I look forward to competing with him again," Yang said.

"I won-t let him claim the title as easily as I did at the US Open."

Promising American Rickie Fowler, ranked 45th in the world, will join Koreans Kim Kyung-tae and Noh Seung-yul among the other players likely to generate interest from local spectators.

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