McIlroy hits Shanghai keen to boost money list lead

Nike deal?

McIlroy will renew his rivalry with Woods next Monday in the "Duel at Lake Jinsha" in the Chinese city of Zhengzhou.

"I've spoken to Tiger about it and we are both really excited as it will be the first time we will ever do something like this together, and hopefully the first of a few occasions we can do this," McIlroy said.

"I see it also as a good marketing exercise for Tiger and myself. We both enjoy each other's company and besides there are not many guys I would do something like this with and I know he feels the same. So it should work well."

Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland plays table tennis (ping pong) during a promotional presentation event at the BMW Masters 2012 golf tournament in Shanghai, Oct 23, 2012. [Photo/Agencies]

McIlroy was also quizzed on speculation he will ditch Titleist and switch at the end of the season to a new multi-million dollar club deal with sports giant Nike, who sponsor Woods.

"These rumours have been going around for years and it seems to always come up at this time of the year," said McIlroy.

"I leave it up to Conor (Ridge my manager) to sort out so I can concentrate on my golf. That's all I can do and besides I have enough to think about trying to get the ball in the hole."

McIlroy, who won the Lake Malaren Shanghai Masters last year at this week's venue, can bag a BMW double after winning the BMW Championship in the US last month.

He has been drawn to play the opening two rounds of the 78-player event in the company of Medinah-winning colleagues Lee Westwood and Rose.

Martin Kaymer of Germany plays table tennis (ping pong) during a promotional presentation event at the BMW Masters 2012 golf tournament in Shanghai, Oct 23, 2012. [Photo/Agencies]