Rory returned to the scene of his maiden European Tour victory at The Emirates Golf Club in Dubai for the Omega Dubai Desert Classic where he finished in a tie for 6th, this now lifts him to number 7 in the Official World Golf Rankings.

McIlroy put together rounds of 68, 70, 69 and 73 which left him on a total of eight under par, just three shots shy of eventual winner, Spain's Miguel Angel Jimenez, who triumphed over Lee Westwood in a dramatic three hole play-off after the pair both finished at eleven under for four rounds.

After taking a break next week, Rory begins his assault on the PGA Tour when he competes in the WGC Accenture Match Play Championship in Arizona which begins on 17th February. Rory finsihed in tie for 5th in the event last year after being taken out by eventual winner, Geoff Ogilvy.