McIlroy must win in Florida to overtake Donald

Despite closing the gap on Luke Donald, it will still take a win at this week’s Honda Classic for Rory McIlroy to go to world number one.

McIlroy missed the chance to move ahead of Donald when he lost the final of the Accenture Match Play Championship in Tucson to American star Hunter Mahan.

The 22-year-old Irishman cut the difference from 1.45 ranking points to 0.53, but there will be less points on offer in Florida — partly because Donald is taking the week off.

Lee Westwood stays at number three after losing his semi-final clash with McIlroy, but providing there are no late withdrawals at Palm Beach Gardens he too could regain top spot with a victory.