McIlroy revels in another title as he claims Harry Vardon trophy

Rory McIlroy was a contented man after claiming the Harry Vardon trophy by topping the European Tour's money list for the first time.

"A lot of hard work went into this and I am really proud of what I've achieved in 2012. I would like to give special thanks to the team around me for all the support they have given me throughout the year. "I've still got two events remaining this year and the goal is still to try and win at least once more before the end of the year. Beyond that I'm looking forward to a good break over the winter! "I've got a healthy lead in the world rankings, but with so many very good players on both sides of the Atlantic it will not be a time to be resting on my laurels. My goal is to push on in the new year. "Monty (Colin Montgomerie) won eight Order of Merits in his prime and I have won one, so there is plenty of ground to make up. "Also Jack Nicklaus won 18 Majors and I now have my name on two, so targeting the majors will still be my main focus next season."

Adrenaline

Tournament winner Manassero said: "It's been an extremely long day. The adrenaline kept me going and fortunately the key, I think, it was starting really well this morning after coming back on the course. I started with some birdies in a row which was very good." Much has been expected from the Italian following the records he set when he burst on the scene several years ago: youngest British Amateur winner ( aged 16), youngest golfer to play in the Masters and make the cut (16), youngest European Tour winner (17). Still a teenager, Manassero admitted that his third year on tour has been a struggle. He has not been back to the Masters since his debut and he failed to qualify for this year's Open Championship. His last title had come last April at the Malaysian Open. "It's been very frustrating at times," he said. "I had to be more clear in my mind thinking that I started my career really well, but it's very early. I've got many years. This is the time in which I really need to step my game up, make technical changes and adjusting myself. "I didn't have some great results for something like a year, a little ups and downs. Obviously, it was frustrating."