Win or bust as McIlroy sets sights high while Finch displays more modest aims

Rory McIlroy says nothing short of victory will suffice at the Dubai Desert Classic this week, the scene of his maiden win on the European Tour.

The world No 1 has not finished outside the top two in his last six starts in European Tour sanctioned events, but the last of those victories was five months ago at the US PGA Championship.

“It has been a happy hunting ground in the past,” said the 25 year old of the Emirates course. “It seems every time I come here I have a chance and I play well.

“I’ve got four days to try and get back on the victory trail and it feels like a long time since my last win, so it would be nice to get another one pretty soon.

“I’m disappointed if I don’t win to be honest, but I think everyone should feel that way. I’m not here to finish in the top five.”

Hull’s Richard Finch is one of four Yorkshiremen in the field, alongside Simon Dyson, Matt Fitzpatrick and Race to Dubai leader Danny Willett.

“My scoring’s improved, but I’m not playing as well as I’d have liked,” said Finch, who made his first cut of the year in Qatar last week.

“Getting into a run of events is nice, playing four rounds especially, and the more I play the sharper I’ll get and in the long run I’ll be in a better place.

“I’ve just got to stick with it and know that what I’m doing is correct.”