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Koepka aiming for long reign at Number One
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Koepka aiming for long reign at Number One

New Number One Brooks Koepka is eyeing a long spell on top of the world as he prepares for the European Tour's final World Golf Championships event of the season at the WGC-HSBC Champions.

Brooks Koepka

The American's victory at last week's CJ Cup moved him to the summit of the Official World Golf Ranking at a time when the  battle to be golf's top dog has never been more competitive.

Justin Rose and Dustin Johnson have both held top spot in recent weeks and both of those players could replace Koepka should results go their way at Sheshan International Golf Club.

But the 28 year old has no intention of giving his position up, and is aiming for yet another milestone as he seeks a first WGC win to go with his three Major Championships.

"I'm looking forward to this week," he said. "Looking forward to teeing it up as Number One. I think that's something every golfer kind of dreams of and every golfer wants to accomplish.

The goal isn't just to get here - it's to stay here - Brooks Koepka

"I'm looking to build on that lead, grow it, and that way I can be Number One for a while. The goal isn't just to get here - it's to stay here.

"These eight events, the Majors and WGCs, are what you want to play and what you want to win. And when you're done playing, those are what people remember you for. They remember you for the Majors that you've won, the WGCs, things like that. So it's an important event."

Rose came home in 31 last season to win this event by two shots, with Koepka finishing in a tie for second alongside Johnson and Henrik Stenson, and the current US Open and US PGA Championship winner is eager to go one better on a course he enjoys.

"I always feel like I can win," he said. "I wouldn't show up if I didn't feel like I can but I expect to win. I know it's unattainable to win every week, nobody can do that.

"Last year was a little bit disappointing but the way Rosey played, finishing that off was impressive."

Dustin Johnson

Johnson returns to a happy hunting ground this week, although he will be eager to make up for last season where he looked to have the title sewn up after 54 holes.

The American took a six-shot lead into Sunday but a combination of Rose's brilliant finish and a closing 77 meant he finished in that share of second spot.

After a win at this event in 2013 and a top five two years later, however, he still has good memories of Shanghai.

"I always look forward to coming here," he said. "I like the golf course, it's a great tournament, HSBC does a great job here. I don't really get to play in Asia much so it's good for me to come over here and play.

"I've had a lot of success on this golf course."

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