Rory McIlroy Expresses Disappointment Over Abu Dhabi Event Exclusion
Rory McIlroy'sScan reveals Rippenermüdungsbruch
McIlroy, the four-time Grand Slam Champion, had to withdraw from the Abu Dhabi tournament after medical tests revealed a fatigue fracture in one of his ribs.
McIlroy suffered an alleged back injury during the South African Open and lost to World No. 1 Dustin Johnson in a playoff, with Englishman Graeme Storm securing victory on Sunday.
"It's extremely disappointing to have to withdraw from the HSBC Championship in Abu Dhabi," McIlroy said on Monday, in a statement.
"Everyone knows how much I enjoy playing in this event, it's one of the best tournaments on the European Tour. To be honestly frustrated to miss out this week due to injury, but I'm confident that the event will be a huge success." McIlroy added, "In situations like these, you just have to listen to the experts and the teams I've consulted have all advised me to rest until my ribs have fully healed."
McIlroy had previously occupied first place in the world rankings as late as September 2015, with hopes of overtaking Jason Day with a win in Abu Dhabi – a tournament he played in the last six years with four seconds places.
While McIlroy missed out, Justin Thomas continued his impressive season by claiming his fourth PGA Tour title and advancing into the top 10 of the world. This week, Day also continued his comeback, finishing in a tie for 13th place at the Hawaii Championship of Champions.
Meanwhile, Graeme Storm climbed up 118 places in the rankings after securing his second career European Tour victory. American golfer Justin Thomas capped off an impressive week by setting a record-challenging score as he clinched the Tournament of Champions in Hawaii with a seven-shot victory over Justin Rose.
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Thomas followed up this victory by claiming his second successive title at the Sony Open in Hawaii with a seven-stroke lead over Rose. The 23-year-old started as the youngest player ever to break 60, before setting a 36-hole record and completing the tournament with an outstanding 72-hole score.
Thomas's total score of 26 under 253 was seven shots ahead of Olympic gold medalist Justin Rose, with Jordan Spieth in third place with a score of 19 under.
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Despite McIlroy's withdrawal, the stage was set for Thomas to create history by becoming the youngest golfer to shoot a sub-60 round in a PGA Tour event. This achievement was not connected to McIlroy's injury, as McIlroy does not usually participate in the Sony Open in January due to scheduling conflicts.
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