|
Horschel showed no sign of nerves when he sank
a long putt from near the edge of the green on the second
playoff hole, and then hugged McIlroy warmly.
“It’s always one of my most special weeks of the year. I enjoy
coming here. I feel a sense of ease, I feel a sense of calm,"
the 37-year-old Horschel said. "I know I’m not from the U.K. or
London or England but I feel almost at home when I come here.”
Horschel won at Virginia Water three years ago. This year, he
was locked in second place overnight with McIlroy, and they were
both three strokes behind leader Matteo Manassero of Italy.
While Manassero fell back, they both carded 5-under 67s to join
South African Thriston Lawrence — who posted a clinical 65 on
the day — at 20 under and force a three-way playoff.
After they went back to the 18th at the storied West Course,
Lawrence dropped out of contention after bogeying, while McIlroy
and Horschel had birdies. But McIlroy was beaten on the next
hole.
“It just shows the standard out here. If you slip up just a
little bit or don’t make a birdie on a crucial hole, someone is
always waiting to take advantage of that,” McIlroy said. “Two
weeks in a row, I’ve played well. Just not quite well enough.”
The No. 3-ranked Northern Irishman, who won the event in 2014,
now has three runner-up finishes at Wentworth.
Manassero, who won the title in 2013 the last time it went to a
playoff, finished in a share of fourth spot with Englishmen
Matthew Baldwin and Aaron Rai after carding a 1-over 73 that
included four bogeys. They ended 17 under.
A victory would have put Manassero on track to qualify for next
year’s Ryder Cup and to claim one of the 10 PGA Tour cards
available each year from the European tour.
All contents © copyright 2024 Associated Press. All rights
reserved |
|
