In a big surprise World No. 1 Rory McIlroy has pulled the plug on competing in the two Race to Dubai events taking place in Shanghai.
McIlroy has cited his reason in withdrawing from both the BMW Asian Open and the following week’s WGC – HSBC Champions due to the intensification of his legal dispute with former management company Horizon Sports.
The withdrawal of the four-time Major winner is a serious blow to both China events.
McIlroy issued a statement on Monday evening explaining he needs a break from competitive action.
Earlier in the day Dublin’s commercial court had heard how mediation – as ordered by a judge – between McIlroy and the Horizon management company had failed to resolve the multi-million Pound case. Talks had taken place over Friday and Saturday without agreement.
World No. 1 Rory McIlroy shocks in pulling the plug on competing in both Shanghai events. Picture: David Lloyd / www.golffile.ie)
“I’m going to need time away from tournament golf to prepare for the trial over my legal dispute with Horizon Sports Management. The court-directed mediation process failed over the weekend to resolve the issue,” said McIlroy.
This casts a late shadow over what has proved an epic year on the course for McIlroy, including winning two major championships. There will be debate as to how his preparations and playing schedule before the Masters next April will be affected by the possibility of up to two weeks in a Dublin witness box.
The case between McIlroy and Horizon has been running for a year, with the player suing the Dublin-based firm on the alleged basis he was coaxed into signing an “unconscionable contract” which included “excessive commissions”.
Horizon is counter-suing and claiming a breach of contract and loss of commissions against McIlroy, who was to set up his own management firm, Rory McIlroy Inc.
Last month there was a plea for an out-of-court settlement from Mr Justice Brian McGovern when it became apparent that the detailed financial business of another golfer and a close friend of McIlroy, Graeme McDowell, may have to enter the public domain.
McDowell has also been a Horizon client, and McIlroy’s lawyers claim their client was on “markedly inferior” terms to his compatriot despite assurances to the contrary.
McIlroy’s absence from the two Shanghai events will see him end his season competing in the Race to Dubai season-ending DP World Tour Championship in Dubai being staged from 20-23 November before ending 2014 by defending the week after his Australian Open title in Sydney.
