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Woodland's withdrawal gets McIlroy up and running at WGC Match Play

Woodland's withdrawal gets McIlroy up and running at WGC Match Play

Rory McIlroy was gifted a first victory at the WGC Dell Technologies Match Play when Gary Woodland withdrew due to family reasons on Thursday.

McIlroy lost his opening match of the tournament at Austin Country Club 2&1 to Soren Kjeldsen on Wednesday and needed a response against his next opponent.

However, Woodland ended his participation in the tournament before their match got under way.

A statement read: "Due to a personal family matter, Gary Woodland must withdraw from the World Golf Championships - Dell Technologies Match Play prior to Thursday's match.

"We ask that you respect his family's privacy at this time."

Francesco Molinari pulled out on day two as a result of a wrist injury, ensuring his scheduled opponent Alex Noren became the first player to qualify for the last 16.

And Jason Day also withdrew from the event on Wednesday, revealing his mother will undergo surgery to remove a tumour in her lung.