He was the favourite to take the victory in Hong Kong, but instead Rory McIlroy will be watching the weekend's action from the sidelines.
The World No 1 missed the cut at the UBS Hong Kong Open on Friday after rounds of 73 and 72, a four-putt on the final green during his second round effectively sealing his fate.
McIlroy had four birdies in his first 11 holes to make some valuable gains, but then inexplicably carded four bogeys in the next five before a double-bogey at the 367-yard 10th, the closing hole, ended his hopes.
"I just got on a slide and couldn't stop it," said McIlroy, who only last Sunday was flying high after clinching the European and US Tour money list double.
"Obviously not the week that I wanted. I was only four off the lead and thinking I could make a couple more and be right back in contention. Unfortunately it just went the other way.
"I still love this course. It's just a pity that this year had to end like that.
"I didn't putt well in Singapore last week and sort of got away with it (he finished third). This week was the same, so I think a bit of putting practice is required in Dubai.
"I think if I was completely fresh I wouldn't have been making the mistakes. Just one of those things - hit it in the wrong spot and misjudged the speed on a couple of putts. That's just the way it goes."
McIlroy will play in next week's DP World Tour Championship in Dubai, the European Tour season finale.
golf365.com