3 Feb 2009

Teenager McIlroy breaks into world's top 20

12:38 pm on 3 February 2009

Northern Ireland's rising golf star Rory McIlroy has broken into the world's top 20 at number 16 after becoming only the sixth teenager to win on the European Tour.

The 19 year old was relieved after hanging on to beat a world class field at the Dubai Desert Classic last weekend after being beaten twice in playoffs last year when he became the youngest player to reach the top 50 in the world rankings.

Europe's new Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie says McIlroy's destined for golfing greatness.