McIlroy just falls short

Rory McIlroy showed the exhilarating talents that swept him to the world No. 1 spot with an incredibly timed surge during the final round of the WGC-Cadillac Championship, but he eventually fell two strokes short of the triumphant Justin Rose on a day when Tiger Woods withdrew due to injury - sparking fears over his fitness four weeks out from the Masters.

McIlroy began the day eight shots off the overnight leader, but by the time he arrived at the 13th hole that deficit had been cut to just one. Having threatened a 59 at one stage on Saturday the 22-year-old was displaying similar form once again on the Blue Monster, while most of those ahead of him - other than the unflappable Rose - were showing signs of cracking.

McIlroy was terrific from tee to green, birdying holes one, seven and eight - the latter of which was set up by a sensational approach. His tally at the turn could have been better than three-under, but he suddenly moved onto Rose's shoulder when he birdied 10 and eagled 12 with a sublime bunker shot.