STING WHEN I'M WINNING

Rory goes for his sixth European Order of Merit crown... but admits US Open meltdown still hurts

- PHIL CASEY

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

Thriston Lawrence (right) is the only player who can prevent McIlroy topping the list for the third year money running by winning the DP World Tour Championship which starts today.

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

Equalling the tally of Ballesteros and edging closer to Colin Montgomerie's record of eight titles would be a fitting reward for a season which has seen McIlroy win three times and record nine other top 10s, but missing out on an overdue fifth Major title in June remains a painful memory.