Rio Olympics 2016: Rory McIlroy plays down Zika virus threat, says he is “ready to play”

Rory McIlroy has claimed that he is no longer considering pulling out of the Olympic golf tournament this summer in Brazil.

The 27-year-old, set to represent Ireland in Rio as golf returns to the Games, said last week that he could turn down a spot in the team because of the Zika virus.

However, McIlroy said on Wednesday that he was now “ready to play”.

“I feel like the advice I’ve sought out over the past 10 days has put my mind at ease,” the world number three said.

“It makes me more comfortable going down there knowing that, even if I do contract Zika, it’s not the end of the world. Six months to pass through your system and you’re fine.”