Adam Scott hopes to take advantage of Rory McIlroy absence

Adam Scott believes that his chances of winning this week's World Golf WGC-HSBC Championship have been boosted following the withdrawal of Rory McIlroy.

The world number one will be absent from the tournament in Shanghai as he prepares for his upcoming court case against his former management company.

According to the South China Morning Post, when asked if McIlroy's absence makes the tournament easier, Scott said: "Selfishly, yeah, Rory is the main threat to everyone and it opens up the field a little this week."

"Unfortunately I decided not to come last year and I had heavy commitments in Australia, and that's a tough decision."

Forty of the world's top 50 golfers will compete.