Rory McIlroy withdraws from Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship

World number two Rory McIlroy has been forced to pull out of the Abu Dhabi Championship because of a rib injury.

The Northern Irishman had tests on Monday which showed he had sustained a stress fracture and will now begin a rehabilitation programme.

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“It’s bitterly disappointing. I think everyone knows how much I love playing this tournament,” said the 27-year-old.

“In situations like this you simply have to listen to the experts, and the team I have consulted have all advised me to rest until my rib has fully recovered.”

McIlroy’s next scheduled tournament is the Dubai Desert Classic in the first week of February.

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