Rory McIlroy has dismissed any suggestions of a growing rivalry with Tiger Woods. Speaking ahead of this week's Masters. The world number 2 pointed to their respective records to highlight the gap between the pair. "When you speak of rivals, you tend to put rivals who have had somewhat similar success, I mean he has 77 PGA tour events and I've got six, you know what I mean? He's got 14 majors - I've got two. So I mean, if I saw myself as a rival to Tiger I wouldn't really be doing him much justice." The pair will start favourites while an emotional Bubba Watson will be out to defend his title. "Out of respect an honour for Augusta National and one of the greatest clubs we have and one of the greatest tournaments, out of respect for them, I didn't do any of my funny antics that I normally would do."