Luke Donald admits he would relish going head-to-head having a shoot-out with Rory McIlroy at the DP World Tour Championship.
Luke Donald: In fine form
Hot on the heels of his success at Dunlop Phoenix, Donald carded a seven-under-par 65 on day one of the season-ending tourrnament on Thursday to claim a one-shot lead. The Englishman, though, have an excellent record at the Earth course as he closed with two 66s last December.
McIlroy, though, is tied for second with Scot Marc Warren and Spaniard Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano after carding 66s.
With Donald back up to second in the world with his win in Japan, it sets up the possibility of the world's top two players having a shoot-out.
"I'd love the challenge," the 34-year-old said.
"It would be fun for us, fun for the fans and obviously fun for TV. It would be a great way to end the year."
McIlroy, who has four victories to his name in the 2012 season, is also hoping to be in the final group come Sunday.
"There's always a buzz playing in the last group and if I play well again hopefully we'll get a chance," the world number one said.
Donald made birdies at the fifth, seventh and eighth and then picked up four more shots on teh back nine.
He added: "That middle part I really swung the ball well and made a lot of putts - I felt like I couldn't miss.
"You always feel different the week after winning. You just feel like you have that little extra pep in your step and there's a bit more confidence flowing through you for sure - especially winning by five as I did."
golf365.com