<p>World number one Rory McIlroy and second-ranked Tiger Woods slumped to opening-day defeats at the inaugural World Golf Final on Tuesday. <br /><br /></p>.<p>Northern Irishman McIlroy was beaten by American Matt Kuchar in the invitational eight-man matchplay event in Turkey while Group One rival Woods lost to 2011 US Masters champion Charl Schwartzel of South Africa. <br /><br />In Group Two, English pair Lee Westwood (72) and Justin Rose (71) recorded respective victories over US Open champion Webb Simpson (73) and fellow American Hunter Mahan (75). <br /><br />The two top in each section go through to the semifinals of the $5.3 million tournament. <br /><br />McIlroy had a nightmare late spell at the Antalya Golf Club, playing the last four holes in seven-over-par to finish with a 76 against Kuchar’s one-under 70. “I hit my drive into the trees on 15 and lost a bit of confidence,” the US PGA champion told reporters. “I now need to win both my matches tomorrow to advance. I just struggled for a bit of motivation out there today.” <br /><br />McIlroy, 23, accompanied by tennis-playing girlfriend Caroline Wozniacki, was two shots behind at the turn in the strokeplay format. <br /><br />Kuchar, wearing shorts and looking refreshed, said: “It was quite a match. I played really well on the front nine and was three ahead through 10 holes. <br /><br />“I just thought I had to play mistake-free and hopefully Rory wouldn’t get too hot,” <br />added the American. <br /><br />“Then we were all square with four to go, he hits it right and makes a triple bogey and I go three up with three to go and I think both of us lost a little interest at that point.” <br /><br />Kuchar now meets Ryder Cup team-mate Woods on Wednesday morning and Schwartzel in the afternoon. <br /><br />Woods began his bid for the $1.5 million first prize with a birdie at the first but was then held up by a triple-bogey after finding water off the tee and three-putting. <br />He was level with Schwartzel on the 18th tee but the 14-times major winner found a greenside bunker with his approach and a bogey meant he carded a 70 to Schwartzel's 69.</p>
<p>World number one Rory McIlroy and second-ranked Tiger Woods slumped to opening-day defeats at the inaugural World Golf Final on Tuesday. <br /><br /></p>.<p>Northern Irishman McIlroy was beaten by American Matt Kuchar in the invitational eight-man matchplay event in Turkey while Group One rival Woods lost to 2011 US Masters champion Charl Schwartzel of South Africa. <br /><br />In Group Two, English pair Lee Westwood (72) and Justin Rose (71) recorded respective victories over US Open champion Webb Simpson (73) and fellow American Hunter Mahan (75). <br /><br />The two top in each section go through to the semifinals of the $5.3 million tournament. <br /><br />McIlroy had a nightmare late spell at the Antalya Golf Club, playing the last four holes in seven-over-par to finish with a 76 against Kuchar’s one-under 70. “I hit my drive into the trees on 15 and lost a bit of confidence,” the US PGA champion told reporters. “I now need to win both my matches tomorrow to advance. I just struggled for a bit of motivation out there today.” <br /><br />McIlroy, 23, accompanied by tennis-playing girlfriend Caroline Wozniacki, was two shots behind at the turn in the strokeplay format. <br /><br />Kuchar, wearing shorts and looking refreshed, said: “It was quite a match. I played really well on the front nine and was three ahead through 10 holes. <br /><br />“I just thought I had to play mistake-free and hopefully Rory wouldn’t get too hot,” <br />added the American. <br /><br />“Then we were all square with four to go, he hits it right and makes a triple bogey and I go three up with three to go and I think both of us lost a little interest at that point.” <br /><br />Kuchar now meets Ryder Cup team-mate Woods on Wednesday morning and Schwartzel in the afternoon. <br /><br />Woods began his bid for the $1.5 million first prize with a birdie at the first but was then held up by a triple-bogey after finding water off the tee and three-putting. <br />He was level with Schwartzel on the 18th tee but the 14-times major winner found a greenside bunker with his approach and a bogey meant he carded a 70 to Schwartzel's 69.</p>