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McIlroy more naturally gifted than Tiger - Donald

Luke Donald believes Rory McIlroy is a rare natural talent © Getty Images

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World No. 1 Luke Donald believes Race to Dubai rival Rory McIlroy has more "pure talent" than Tiger Woods, and will soon add to his one major title.

Donald and McIlroy are currently preparing for the season-ending Dubai World Championships, which will see one of the two men crowned the winner of the European Tour's season-long Race to Dubai.

McIlroy still has a chance of winning the prize after triumphing at last week's Hong Kong Open, on the same day Woods claimed his first tournament victory in over two years - at the event he hosts, the Chevron World Challenge.

While Donald admires Woods' drive, he believes McIlroy is the more naturally gifted. "Tiger's work ethic has always been tremendous, and his mindset as well," Donald said. "But I think Rory has more pure talent.

"I have always said that, of the guys I've played with, Rory has the most talent. I see him winning lots of tournaments and lots of majors."

After winning the US Open at Congressional by eight shots earlier in 2011, Donald expects great things from the Northern Irishman in future.

"Rory showed the world how great he can be when he won the US Open," Donald added. "That was an unbelievable way to play in a major event and finish it off like he did. He's young and has a great future ahead of him."

However, with the 34-year-old having claimed four victories of his own this season on the way to taking a firm grip of top spot in the world rankings, Donald is not considering stepping aside for the younger generation just yet.

"I've had a tremendous year, winning four times, and being very consistent in all of the other tournaments," he said. "There's no way you can have a chance of winning both money lists unless you are playing at a high level throughout the year. It has obviously been very satisfying and something I am very proud of."

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