Race to Dubai leader McIlroy eyes elusive Falcon Trophy in Abu Dhabi

Race to Dubai leader Rory Mcllroy is determined to break his duck at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship — celebrating its 20th edition this week — as he looks to add the Falcon Trophy to his stunning collection of UAE titles.

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Seven of Mcllroy's 20 DP World Tour victories have come in the UAE, with four Hero Dubai Desert Classic titles and three DP World Tour Championship wins to his name since making his debut in the Emirates in 2006.

Despite several close calls — including four runner-up finishes in the capital — the reigning Masters champion has yet to claim the Abu Dhabi Championship title, leaving a small gap in his glittering resume that includes five Major Championships and 29 PGA Tour victories.

"I've been close," said Mcllroy in his pre-tournament press conference.

"Second four times and third five times or something.

"I'd say the majority of the times that we've played in Abu Dhabi, it's been my first event of the year, and you're just not quite... I'm not saying that's all the reason but you're just not quite as sharp and not quite as match fit as you would be in the middle of the season.

'I feel like this tournament going to the end of the year should hopefully give me a better opportunity to knock it off and finally get that Falcon Trophy.