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 Australian Scott is part of a stellar field that includes 40 of
the top 50 players in the world at the only World Golf Championships
event played outside the United States.
The 2013 Masters champion has only played once since the American
season ended in mid-September, a jetlagged tie for 38th at the Japan
Open last month which followed a surfing holiday in Costa Rica.
But after a week of dedicated practice back home in Queensland last
week, Scott is raring to go again.
He acknowledges that McIlroy's late withdrawal -- to prepare for a
court case over a dispute with his former management company -- is a
blow to the event, but understands that every player has to deal
with off-course issues from time to time.
After all, Scott himself skipped this event last year to recharge
his batteries for a busy end-of-year campaign in Australia.
 "I know HSBC and everyone involved understands that's the way this
game is," Scott told reporters at Sheshan on Wednesday.
Scott, who was surpassed at the top of the world rankings by McIlroy
in early August, acknowledges that his chances of victory are helped
without the presence of the Northern Irishman.
"Selfishly, (his missing) opens up the field a little bit this
week," he said.
U.S. Open champion Martin Kaymer agreed.
"It's definitely a loss for the golf tournament, but it's still a
very, very strong field to beat," said the German.
"One player, usually it doesn't make a difference, but when you talk
about number one in the world, of course you think, OK, one player
less to beat and a good one less to beat."
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Kaymer has played only two competitive rounds since helping Europe
win the Ryder Cup in late September, preferring instead to recharge
his batteries for three consecutive tournaments to end the European
Tour season.
McIlroy is not the only big name missing this week.
Tiger Woods is also absent as he continues to rehabilitate from back
surgery, while fellow American Dustin Johnson will not defend his
title as he deals with personal issues.
But the tournament, in its 10th year, appears firmly established to
the point where it no longer relies on the presence of a single
superstar.
"The golf course is beautiful, the atmosphere is great and the
weather is perfect," Masters champion Bubba Watson said under a
blue, cloudless sky.
(Editing by Sudipto Ganguly)
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