Saturday February 23, 2013
Shock defeat leaves McIlroy searching for form
Oh, no!: Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland reacts after losing to Shane Lowry of Ireland during the first roundof the World Golf Championships MatchPlay Championship on Friday. — AFP MARANA (Arizona): A stunning first-round loss at the World Golf Championships Match Play Championship on Thursday left world number one Rory McIlroy pondering how to turn around his poor 2013 form.
Ireland’s Shane Lowry, an old friend of the Northern Irishman from their amateur days, defeated the two-time Major winner 1-up with the aid of chip-ins at the 11th and 12th holes at Dove Mountain, and an eagle on the par-five 13th, where he hit a fairway wood from 258 yards to five feet.
“I didn’t make enough birdies in the end,” said McIlroy, who missed the cut at the European Tour event in Abu Dhabi last month in his only other start this season.
“Shane had a nice little stretch around part of the back nine. I hung in there, but I just didn’t do enough.”
McIlroy said his iron play let him down, but he did not seem to think it had to do with his highly publicised switch to Nike equipment.
“I’ve just been missing a lot of them right.... I think it’s more a timing thing than anything else,” he said.
“I felt like I drew the ball really well,” he added. “I hit the ball well off the tee. I just need to take advantage of the driving I’ve been doing.”
While Lowry, the 64th-seed in the 64-man field, said he knew “deep down” that he could beat McIlroy, he admitted he was nervous playing the first few holes despite their friendship.
“It was much easier for me to play against Rory than it would have been playing against Tiger (Woods), purely because I just know Rory so well,” said Lowry, who had dinner with McIlroy earlier in the week.
“It was quite easy that way, but still quite nerve-wracking on the first tee.”
Despite their friendship, there was little small talk as the match progressed.
“He’s the one under pressure, I’ve got nothing to lose, so let’s have a go from here.” — AFP
- Hosts Malaysia make a tame exit at the hands of Germany
- BAM: There will be no more sweeping under the carpet
- It’s the last $traw thanks to the BWF
- Japanese upset Danes and Joo-bong is all smiles
- Denmark not prepared to take on mighty China just yet
- Tommy not afraid to play for country despite loss
- Dane loves to unwind with her Modern Family
- Low Wee Wern fails to clear opening round again in British Open
- Cyclists give the thumbs up to world-class velodrome
- Injured Murray withdraws from French Open
- I thought of pulling out after "stupid" Woods remark - Garcia
- Garcia sorry after "stupid" Woods fried chicken jibe
- Banker Carrion bids for IOC presidency
- Del Potro pulls out of French Open
- CAS reject Murofushi appeal against IOC election block
- Cycling: Wintry weather may force more Giro changes
- Cricket: Warner fined for Twitter outburst
- Garcia apologises for 'fried chicken' jibe at Woods
- Tomic will play French Open despite troubles - Woodbridge
- Winger Ioane faces fitness race for first Lions test
RSS
