The much-anticipated showdown between the 14-time Major winning Tiger Woods and World No. 1 Rory McIlroy turned into a box office flop with the more experienced Woods easily accounting for his younger opponent.
The first ever match play showdown between World No. 1 Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods proved a fizzler with Woods easily accounting for his 23-year old opponent to win through to the semi-finals of the Turkish Airlines World Golf Final in Belek, Turkey.
Woods was always ahead in his match shooting a seven under par 64 to McIlroy’s one under par 70 on the Sultan course at the Antalya club to advance to a showdown with England’s Justin Rose.
Rose defeated reigning US Open champion, Webb Simpson with a new course record of a nine under par 62 compared to Simpson’s 67.
The Tiger Woods v Rory McIlroy showdown turns into box office flop with Woods easily accounting for the World No. 1. (Photo – Fran Caffrey/www.golffile.ie)
South African Charl Schwartzel posted a 63 to defeat American Matt Kuchar who signed for a 65.
Schwartzel, who won all three round robin matches, now faces England’s Lee Westwood in the second semi-final after Westwood shot a 64 to defeat American Hunter Mahan by three shots.
McIlroy had lost his opening two matches and began horribly in his match with Woods when he found the water off the opening tee and it wasn’t under par for the round till he birdied the 17th.
McIlroy along with Mahan, who also didn’t win a match, leave Turkey with prize cheques of $US 300,000.
Woods now progresses with the chance still to win the $US 1.5m first prize.
“It felt good and I really hit it good out there,” said Woods.
“I missed a couple of putts as it really good have been a low number but it was good enough to advance.
“My game is starting to turn around a bit and I am beginning to hit it like I did at the start of the year.
“Once I got a big enough lead over Rory I thought one more birdie and a few more pars would put a lot of pressure on Rory to come back at me.
“I had gotten off to a quick start after he hit it in the water which put him straight behind the eight ball.
“I’ve now got Justin and that should be a good match this afternoon.”
McIlroy, who is already looking forward to more time away from the course, has to remain in Belek to return tomorrow afternoon (FRD) for a Pro-Am involving all eight players after the morning Final.
“I’m not that disappointed because I’ve got the afternoon off around the pool,” he said.
“I just came here because I have never played in Turkey and there is a lot of good players here, and I thought it would be a fun week and it has been,” said McIlroy.
“So I’ve enjoyed myself.I feel fine and the energy levels are okay and I’ve got another week off next week before I get myself up for the Race to Dubai.
“I’ve got four events left starting the week after next defending my BMW Masters title.”
However McIlroy’s immediate concern is getting a Russian visa so he can accompany girlfriend, Caroline Wozinacki who is contesting the Kremlin Cup in Moscow.
McIlroy had commenced the Turkish event to be two under par after seven holes but proceeded to record scores of 76, 71 and 70.
The last time McIlory shot two rounds in the 70s was back-to-back closing rounds of 73 to finish well down in 60th place in the British Open.
“It was a good game out there and ended up nine under and Webb was five under but it was a much closer game than that,” said Rose.
“I’ve now got Tiger late this afternoon and it looks like that will be a tough game as he is playing well and got himself into some form.
“We are learning more about this course with each round and it’s all going to come down to who makes the most birdies.”
Simpson and Webb, who each won one match, earn prize cheques for $450,000 for their efforts.
RESULTS OF THIRD ROUND
Justin Rose 62 defeated Webb Simpson 65
Lee Westwood 64 defeated Hunter Mahan 67
Charl Schwartzel 63 defeated Matt Kuchar 65
Tiger Woods defeated Rory McIlroy 70
POINTS STANDING – GROUP 1
Charl Schwartzel 3
Tiger Woods 2
Matt Kuchar 1
Rory McIlroy 0
POINTS STANDING – GROUP 2
Justin Rose 3
Lee Westwood 2
Webb Simpson 1
Hunter Mahan 0
SEMI FINAL
Charl Schwartzel –v- Lee Westwood
Justin Rose –v- Tiger Woods.
