Open wound still stings for Rory

'IT'S ONE THAT GOT AWAY'

- Phil Casey

RORY MCILROY says his failure to win the US Open still "stings" as he bids to match Seve Ballesteros by landing a sixth Race to Dubai title.

Thriston Lawrence is the only player who can prevent the Northern Irishman topping the money-list for the third year running, by capturing this week's DP World Tour Championship.

Even that will not be enough if McIlroy finishes 11th or better in the 50-man field in Dubai.

Equalling Ballesteros and edging closer to Colin Montgomerie's record of eight titles would be a fitting reward for a season that has seen the world No.3 win three times and record nine other top-10 finishes.