Monday, 28 October 2013

Rory McIlroy finds form to beat swearing Tiger Woods in China

• World No1 beaten by shot as each wins $1.5m
• American's bad language mars competition

Rory McIlroy found a return to form on the back nine to overcome Tiger Woods by one shot in their lucrative "Match at Mission Hills" in China.

The Northern Irishman shot a six-under-par 67 to beat the world No1's 68 in the exhibition match on Monday which earned both men in excess of $1.5m (£925,000).

McIlroy has endured a winless year but his game looked to be heading in the right direction for the final weeks of the European Tour season. He had beaten Woods in the "Duel at Jinsha Lake" last year.

"He schooled me twice," Woods said to much laughter after the friendly round, only for McIlroy to swiftly interject and downplay the achievement.

"Well, I don't know about that, I beat you by one shot twice,"McIlroy said.

Both men wore microphones as they played, but it appeared Woods forgot that his every word was being made public as he was heard swearing on several occasions.

Twice he swore when describing a cold he has been suffering from for the last week, while television commentators were forced to apologise when further colourful language was uttered on the 17th hole.

McIlroy told the on-course interviewer during his round that he wanted to win the match but the friendly chit-chat and lack of intensity, particularly from Woods, was obvious throughout the contest.

The two were heard laughing and joking and discussed golf club design, pollution in China and the recent Presidents Cup in which an America side featuring Woods once again beat the International team.

McIlory was one ahead heading up the par-five 18th where both men found the green in two, but Woods missed with his eagle attempt to allow McIlroy to roll in a short birdie putt for the win.

"I enjoyed it. We didn't play probably our best on the front nine but on the back nine we got it going," Woods said.


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