Rory knocked out despite walkover win

RORY McILROY’s hopes of fine-tuning his game ahead of next month’s Masters received a blow as he suffered an early exit from the World Golf Championship, writes Matt Majendie.

McIlroy had lost his opening match against Soren Kjeldsen on Wednesday but was gifted a walkover win when Gary Woodland pulled out because of a family matter.

But that was not enough to see the world No 2 out of his group, Kjeldsen ending any further involvement for McIlroy (above) by beating Emiliano Grillo.

McIlroy’s early demise so soon before the Augusta showpiece, which begins on April 6, is far from ideal timing, while world No1 Dustin Johnson produced another confidence-boosting victory.

The American is top of his group after defeating Martin Kaymer 3&2.

There were mixed results for Britain’s golfers. Matt Fitzpatrick defeated Chris Wood 4&2, and

Tyrrell Hatton and Paul Casey picked up a second win apiece but defending Masters champion Danny Willett was knocked out after a 6&5 drubbing by Bill Haas.