Intro:

Rory McIlroy holds off a back-nine fightback from Gary Woodland to win his first World Golf Championships Match Play championship.

Script:

Rory McIlroy won his first WGC Match Play title with a 4&2 victory over America's Gary Woodland.

The world number one shook off a nervy start with the putter to move clear with a string of birdies on the front nine.

Woodland rallied on the inward half but missed a critical short putt to win the 13th and cut the gap to one hole.

The pressure on McIlroy was released and the Northern Irishman sealed the title.

There was an edginess to both men early on in the round; McIlroy putted poorly, while Woodland's driving accuracy deserted him.

McIlroy soon tidied up his play; pulling away with four holes in succession to go to the turn four up.

Woodland cut the deficit to two after wins on 11 and 12 but he missed from five feet on the 13th. McIlroy could relax.

The 26-year-old took immediate advantage; the Dubai Desert Classic champion won on the 14th to return to three up and closed out the match 4&2 on the 16th green.