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McIlroy: In search of maiden win

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Rising star Rory McIlroy is confident he can challenge for a maiden European Tour victory at this week's South African Airways Open.

The 18-year-old has made a stunning start to his professional career, finishing third at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship at St Andrews in October and following that with a fourth-place finish at the Madrid Open a week later to secure his card for the 2008 season.

The Northern Irish prospect is now looking to take the next step and turn those impressive showings into tournament wins and feels his game is in good enough shape to do so.

"My goal for this year is definitely to try to convert some of those results and go out and win," McIlroy declared.

"But I'll just take this week as it goes. I'm playing nicely so if I can just go out and play my normal game and hole a few putts, I should get quite close.

Matter of time

"If I can keep playing the way I am and put myself in a position to do well, I think it will only be a matter of time and a matter of experience to know how to win.

"So as long as I get myself in contention going into the weekends, then hopefully one good weekend and that could be it.

"This is my first year out on tour, so I don't really know what to expect. I just want to go out and play well and see how I finish up."

McIlroy has been tipped off about the notoriously difficult Cape winds which are certain to play their part at Pearl Valley Golf Estate this week, but insists he is relishing the challenge that lies ahead.

"I think they're predicting high winds for the next couple of days, but I think that will suit me because I'm from Northern Ireland and it's usually windy there as well," he added.

"But in saying that, the course is fantastic - it's probably the best course I've played in South Africa.

"It's really nice, the greens are good, and it's a good field, so I'm looking forward to it."