McIlroy lets lead slip

RORY McILROY will come home a little richer for his appearance in the Korean Open but he picked-up nothing in terms of his world ranking.

McIlroy let slip a second victory this season in finishing third behind 23-year-old Korean Sang Moon Bae, who successfully defended his title after carding a final round 72 on the Jeung Hills Golf Club course in Seoul.

Bae carded a closing round four-under-par 67 to win by a stroke at 10-under-par.

McIlroy went into the last day sharing the lead but had no real answer to Bae after dropping shots at the 11th and 14th hole to finish four off the winning pace.

“It just wasn’t to be today,” said McIlroy.

“I really had a good chance to win but nothing happened for me on the back nine and Bae just played great. Well done to him.”

It is now the second occasion in McIlroy’s career has led going into the final round and failed to close out the event.

McIlroy headed to Korea as the No.24 ranked player in the world and will return home later today in the same position.

Bizarrely, had McIlroy won the title he would not have improved his standing.