Rory McIlroy, Darren Clarke and Sergio Garcia each face stiff opposition in being honoured with a Laureus Sports Award in London on Monday night.

McIlroy is among six sports stars nominated in the category – “World Breakthough of the Year’ award.

Clarke is among a similar number looking to win the ‘Comeback of the Year’ award following his Open Championship success last July at Royal St. Georges.

McIlroy has been nominated in the same category Germany’s Martin Kaymer was honoured this time last year following his 2010 U.S. PGA Championship at Whistling Straits.

However McIlroy will face stiff opposition from all five nominees in his group including track and field stars Yohan Blake and South African disable runner Oscar ‘Blade Runner’ Pistorius.

Also in McIlroy’s category is the ace female tennis pair of French Open winner Li Na and Wimbedon winner Petra Kvitova.

Also in the reigning U.S. Open’s category is prolific British but Somalia born track champion, Mo Farah.

Clarke finds himself in a category featuring fellow European Tour member, Garcia who breathed new life into his career late last year with back-to-back Race to Dubai victories.

Eric Abidal, a member of Barcelona’s Champions League winning team, and Liu Xiang

Also in Clarke’s category is the Australian Rugby League side, the Brisbane Broncos and the rugby’s New Zealand Crusaders.

McIlroy and Clarke will be present at the awards.

British actor, Clive Owen an Academy Award nominee and Golden Globe recipient winner, will host the evening.

However the only surprise in the selection of nominees is the glaring omission of World No. 1 Luke Donald following his historic achievement in becoming the first ever player to top the money lists on both sides of the Atlantic.

The full list of categories are:-

‘World Sportsman of the Year’ nominees –

Usain Bolt  Novak Djokovic Lionel Messi Dirk Nowitzki

‘World Sportsteam of the Year’ nominees