While World No. 1 Rory McIlroy has confirmed to compete for the first time in the Barclays Singaore Open but at the expense of not contesting the prior week’s WGC – HSBC Champions event in China.

Also McIlroy seems now more than likely won’t be defending his Hong Kong Open title.

Singapore Open organisers indicated McIlroy will join three-time former winner Adam Scott along with American Ryder Cup star Phil Mickelson, in the $US 6m event on the Sentosa Golf Club course.

Rory McIlroy confirms he will compete in Singapore for a first time in his career but at the expence of defending in Hong Kong, and an event still without a sponsor. (Photo: Jenny Matthews/www/golffile.ie)

The tournament, dubbed as ‘Asia’s Major’, was first stage in 1961 and will be held this year from November 8th to 11th, 2012 and once again will be a joint Asian and European Tour co-sanctioned event.

McIlroy’s maiden appearance in the ‘Island Nation’ is hardly surprising given that his management team no doubt fear the Hong Kong Open will be cancelled.

And McIlroy’s appearance in Singapore will come after he has competed in the October 25th to 28th BMW Asian Masters in Shanghai along with a one day, head-to-head confrontation elsewhere in China with Tiger Woods.

Spain’s Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano will defend his title after last year having to join Filipino Juvic Pagunsan in returning to the Sentosa course early Monday morning to decide the winner.

‘Gonzo’ then returned to his hotel to be greeted by hotel staff lining a red carpet and applauding his fifth Tour victory.