Fresh off a tied-third finish in Japan last week, McIlroy will return to action, paired together with defending champion Xander Schauffele of the United States and England’s Justin Rose who won the WGC-HSBC Champions in 2017 in the opening two rounds.

With World No.1 Brooks Koepka forced to withdraw from the year’s final World Golf Championships event due to injury, McIlroy knows he has every opportunity to push himself closer towards the summit of the Official World Golf Ranking with a good result this week.

“There’s quite a bit to play for until the end of the year. I want to get as many world ranking points as I possibly can and try to close that gap on the number one,” McIlroy said.

“I want to get as many world ranking points as I possibly can and try to close that gap on the number one.” – Rory McIlroy

Schauffele will be hoping to recover in time and deliver another standout performance at the Sheshan International Golf Club.

The American fell sick in Japan last week and is still trying to shake off its effects, opting to withdraw from yesterday’s pro-am as a precaution.

Thailand’s Jazz Janewattananond is hopeful that being in elite company this week will help him rediscover his best form.

The current Asian Tour Order of Merit leader is making his debut at the WGC-HSBC Champions and is expected to spearhead the Asian charge this week.