Last Updated: Wed, 03 Feb 2010 10:18
Rory McIlroy is preparing to defend his Dubai Desert Classic crown frustrated that he has not been able to secure a second title.
The 20-year-old pipped Justin Rose at the Emirates Golf Club 12 months ago to land a first title, 16 months after joining the professional ranks. And he returns this week as world number nine after finishing in the top seven in seven of his last eight events, including third place at the USPGA Championship last August.
However, McIlroy is disappointed at not being able to take the extra step and emerge victorious from events while he is playing consistently well.
He said: "If you are having top 10s you've always got the chance to win. It's great having top fives, but if you don't have a win in there, it's not that good. That's what I'm trying to get, that's the level that I'm trying to get to."
McIlroy added: "To gain experience every year in the four majors and everything else, by the time I am 24 or 25 I will have played in 20 or 25 majors so hopefully by then I should know how to finish them off.
"Obviously that's the ultimate goal - to try and win major championships and try to become the best player I can be.
"I know I have to work hard to keep the recent run going, but if I can do that, hopefully I can keep getting better and try and achieve what I want in the game, which is ultimately to be the best player in the world."