McIlroy braced for Race battle

Rory McIlroy will next be in action at the World Match Play

Rory McIlroy insists he is prepared to take the battle to become Europe's number one to the wire after losing top spot in Portugal on Sunday.

Lee Westwood's victory at the Portugal Masters moved him £190,000 ahead of McIlroy in the Race to Dubai standings.

"I think we are playing the same events in the run in," said McIlroy.

"It will be good to chase him all the way to the finish and I will have to play some really good golf to try and overtake him."

Europe's current top two will both return to action at next week's World Match Play Championship in Spain and they will be involved in the big-money HSBC Champions event in Shanghai a week later.

McIlroy's remaining tournaments in the current calendar will be the Hong Kong Open and finally the decisive Dubai World Championship.

While McIlroy has set his sights on chasing down Westwood, he knows full well that it is far from a two-horse race to secure the Harry Vardon Trophy.

I am still thinking about it but I am leaning towards playing in Europe Rory McIlroy

"There are lots of other guys still in with chance like Martin Kaymer and Paul Casey and there are a few others just outside but can make big moves."

McIlroy has also given a strong indication that he has all but made his mind up that he will remain on the European Tour next season.

The youngster had been considering a switch to the PGA Tour but with him firmly entrenched inside the world's top 50 he would still be able to play in majors, world championship and a number of tournaments in America.

"I am still thinking about it but I am leaning towards playing in Europe," added McIlroy.

"I'll obviously play 12 or 13 events in America if I don't take my card anyway.

"With the flying back and forth, I have seen a few guys in the past that haven't really done that too well.

"I just feel that I have a lot of time on my hands, so if I don't do it next year I can always do it the year after."