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Luke happy to replace Rory, Dufner rises in rankings

Luke Donald is back to world No. 1 after his finish in New Orleans © PA Photos

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Luke Donald reclaimed the world No. 1 spot from Rory McIlroy after his third-place finish at the Zurich Classic on Sunday.

Donald, needing to end up within the top seven to usurp McIlroy once again, fired a final-round 67 to further ascend the leaderboard in New Orleans - ultimately finishing two shots outside the play-off between Jason Dufner and Ernie Els that saw the American claim his maiden PGA Tour title.

McIlroy, who did not play last week, will have the chance to reclaim the top ranking this week at Quail Hollow - an event he has won before - but Donald was nevertheless happy to move back to the summit of the world, even if he would have preferred a victory.

"It's a nice consolation, [we're] going back and forth a little bit. [It's] Rory's turn next week at Quail Hollow. Chance to get it back," Donald said.

He added: "It's a consolation this week. Obviously a slow start for me but, you know, this is the third time getting back to No. 1. It wasn't really on my mind that much like the first time I was able to get to No. 1. But certainly very proud of being No. 1 and we'll have to see. Rory's turn is next week to try and get it back.

"I think, personally, I want to try and be No. 1. That's always your goal. I'm in a position to try and do that. It's nice to come in here and do that. I need to get back there. Wasn't a win but still, it was a good solid week and I moved forward."

Dufner, meanwhile, moves up to 20th in the world rankings thanks to his victory, with Els climbing 23 places to 40th despite his agonising defeat. It was a nice wedding present for Dufner, who is getting married next weekend.

"It's a great way to start the week for Amanda and I," Dufner said. "Great wedding present for both of us. Helps with paying for the wedding, obviously.

"They're a little built more expensive than I thought or had imagined but, you know, it's just a great way to start our week leading up to the wedding next week and bit of a gift for her and a bit of a gift for me and I think it will be, you know, a big celebration not only for our marriage but also for my first victory out on Tour next weekend in Auburn."

As a result of his victory, Dufner also leapfrogged Keegan Bradley in the rankings - the man who beat him in a play-off to claim last year's US PGA Championship at Atlanta Athletic Country Club.

In Europe, runaway Ballantine's Championship winner Bernd Wiesberger broke inside the world's top 100 thanks to his success - moving from 170th to 95th after his performance in South Korea.

World Rankings: 1. Luke Donald (ENG), 2. Rory McIlroy (NIR), 3. Lee Westwood (ENG), 4. Bubba Watson (USA), 5. Hunter Mahan (USA), 6. Steve Stricker (USA), 7. Tiger Woods (USA), 8. Martin Kaymer (GER), 9. Justin Rose (ENG), 10. Phil Mickelson (USA), 11. Louis Oosthuizen (RSA), 12. Charl Schwartzel (RSA), 13. Adam Scott (AUS), 14. Webb Simpson (USA), 15. Matt Kuchar (USA), 16. Jason Day (AUS), 17. Dustin Johnson (USA), 18. Graeme McDowell (NIR), 19. Bill Haas (USA), 20. Jason Dufner (USA).

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