Rory McIlroy has claimed that it would mean a lot to him if he could win in Shanghai for the second successive year.

The Northern Irishman is one shot behind Peter Hanson heading into the final round of the BMW Masters and has revealed how important the tournament is to him.

McIlroy said: "It would mean a lot if I could successfully defend here at Lake Malaren, even though this year's event is now on the European Tour, so it would be nice to win for a second time.

"What also would be most pleasing is that I will come into these last few weeks of my year trying to wrap-up the Race to Dubai No. 1 title.

"I've put myself into contention this week and if I'm to finish this one off that would give me a nice lead going into my last three events."

If McIlroy lifts the trophy in Shanghai, it will be his fifth tournament win of the season.