Rory McIlroy can reflect positively on his achievements this season, but he will also have candid regrets at what might have been after US Open implosion, writes RIATH AL-SAMARRAI

RIATH AL-SAMARRAI IN DUBAI: McIlroy, for his part, has been left in the common position of hoping his self-designated 'nearly man' will be disposed of via a breakthrough in the majors of a new year.