Golf: Mahan halts McIlroy in his tracks

MARANA: Hunter Mahan beat Rory McIlroy 2-and-1 to win the World Golf Championships Match Play crown, denying the Northern Irishman’s bid to claim the world number one ranking. Mahan moved 4-up through 10 holes and subsequently held off the reigning US Open champion to become the first American to win the title since Tiger Woods in 2008. McIlroy admitted it was tough to bounce back after his tense semi-final battle with England’s Lee Westwood but gave credit to Mahan for the title-win. “Mahan was solid as ever,” said McIlroy. “He’s a deserving champion.”

Published in The Express Tribune, February 28^th, 2012.