'Flu-struck' Henrik Stenson aiming to replace Woods as world No.1 at Volvo China Open

Swedish golfer Henrik Stenson is reportedly suffering from a heavy dose of flu as he bids to win his first title of the year and move towards Tiger Woods' world number one spot at this week's Volvo China Open.

The Swede, on the back of his historic exploits last season, is considered favourite at the 3.2 million-dollar event ahead of Jason Dufner, Ian Poulter and Chinese prodigy Guan Tianlang.

However, Sport24 reports that the world number three will have to recover from the illness which has kept him in bed for the best part of two days and unable to practise at Shenzhen's Genzon Golf Club and Stenson admitted that he is still feeling a bit weak and needs to rest up to 'make the best of the situation'.

Stenson became the first player to win both the European Tour's Race to Dubai and US PGA Tour's FedEx Cup in a sensational finish to last year although he believes that his exertions left him low on energy and partly explained why he is yet to lift a trophy so far in 2014.

However, Stenson is aware that it would be a excellent time to rediscover his form and leapfrog world number two Adam Scott to reach the top ranking with Woods out after back surgery.