Fourteen-time major winner Tiger Woods claims he is looking forward to a 'decade' of battles with current world number one Rory McIlroy.
The two, who were confirmed last week for January's Abu Dhabi Championship tournament, will resume on-course hostilities in China next week at a unique head-to-head competition.
Woods believes he is ready to challenge McIlroy, and will aim to put one over on him when they face off on October 29 in an 18-hole medal match at Jinsha Lake in Zhengzhou
"We've all seen how talented Rory is," said Woods.
"It'll be fun to battle him for the next decade or so and hopefully we'll have many battles to come,"
The 23-year-old, who has won two majors in as many years, is viewed by many as the heir apparent to 36-year-old Woods - whose last triumph in a major championships came in 2008, shortly before scandal erupted around his private life.
But a resurgence in 2012 saw him win three PGA Tour events to rise back to number two in the rankings.
The "Duel at Jinsha Lake" is expected to draw huge galleries as fans in China get a rare chance to see the world's top two in action in a country where golf is becoming increasingly popular.
"China's a growing market and what they've done in golf over the past decade or so is incredible," said Woods.
"China is young in golf terms but rising fast, especially with the sport joining the Olympics."
sports@thenational.ae
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