Rory McIlroy waits on WGC future after Gary Woodland withdrawal

By Ali Stafford

Rory McIlroy faces a nervous wait on his WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play future after Gary Woodland withdrew from the tournament.

Woodland, runner-up to McIlroy two years ago, pulled out of the tournament shortly before the two were scheduled to go head-to-head due to personal reasons.

That leaves McIlroy, who lost to Soren Kjeldsen 2&1 in the opening round-robin match, needing Emiliano Grillo to defeat the Dane in their group fixture today to stay in the competition.

Image: Kjeldsen claimed a shock victory over McIlroy on the opening day

Woodland's representative Mark Steinberg said in a statement: "Due to a personal family matter, Gary Woodland must withdraw from the World Golf Championships-Dell Technologies Match Play.

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

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Image: Woodland defeated Grillo 3&2 on Wednesday

If Grillo beats Kjeldsen, then McIlroy would need to beat the Argentinian in their final group match tomorrow to stay in the competition. He would then face Kjeldsen in a play-off to determine who reaches the last 16.

Should Kjeldsen secure at least a share of his spoils from his match today, added to the point he will gain on Friday for a Woodland walkover, then McIlroy will be eliminated.

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Woodland is the second player to withdraw from the event for personal reasons, following Jason Day's early exit during the opening round.

Watch the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play throughout the week live on Sky Sports 4 - your home of golf

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