• European Tour

McIlroy will not miss any action despite back scare

ESPN staff
February 9, 2010
Rory McIlroy finished sixth at the Dubai Desert Classic © Getty Images
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Rory McIlroy's back problem will not prevent him taking part in next week's Match Play Championship in Arizona after it was diagnosed as a slight nerve impingement.

The world No. 7 saw a specialist after suffering pain during the Dubai Desert Classic, in which he finished sixth. "He just needs to rest for a day," said McIlroy's spokesman Martin Hardy.

Elsewhere, Lee Westwood is unconcerned about his winless start to the new season. The world No. 4 performed poorly in the year's first tournament, failing to make the cut at the Abu Dhabi Championship.

But his rhythm recovered sufficiently for him to place second in Dubai - although he did throw away a two-shot lead on the last day to Miguel Angel Jimenez. Despite this, Westwood insists he is not unduly disappointed.

"The results, although I would liked to have won last week, don't really concern me too much," he said.

"The game still feels a little bit rusty and I'm mentally not quite sharp enough, but I'm hitting the good shots."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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