RORY McILROY ROARED past Lee Westwood and into the final of the Match Play Championship. All that stands in his way of going to No. 1 in the world is beating Hunter Mahan.
Westwood was 3 up through four holes until the 22-year-old from Northern Ireland won four of the next five holes to take a 1-up lead to the back nine. McIlroy won the 12th hole with a 25-foot birdie putt. He went 3 up on the 13th after Westwood’s drive sailed into the gallery and came to rest in the back of a woman’s sweater.
McIlroy won, 3 and 1, with a par on the 17th.
He would have to win the 18-hole championship match to replace Luke Donald at No. 1 in the world.
In a battle of Americans, Mahan never trailed and beat Mark Wilson, 2 and 1.
– AP
