Woods sweeps past McIlroy into World Golf Final semis

BELEK, Turkey: Tiger Woods easily accounted for world number one Rory McIlroy in the first ever matchplay showdown between the pair to reach the semi-finals at the World Golf Final in Belek, Turkey on Thursday.

Woods was always ahead in his match, shooting a seven-under-par 64 to McIlroy's one-under-par 70 on the Sultan course at the Antalya club, to advance to a showdown with England's Justin Rose.

Rose defeated reigning US Open champion, Webb Simpson with a new course record of nine-under-par 62, compared to Simpson's 67.

South African Charl Schwartzel posted a 63 to defeat American Matt Kuchar, who signed for a 65.

Schwartzel, who won all three of his round-robin matches, now faces England's Lee Westwood in the second semi-final, after Westwood shot a 64 to defeat American Hunter Mahan by three shots.

McIlroy, who had already lost his opening two matches, began horribly against Woods when he found the water off the opening tee and he did not drop below par for the round until he birdied the 17th hole.

McIlroy and Mahan, who also failed to win a match, nonetheless leave Turkey with prize cheques worth $300,000.

Woods, meanwhile, remains in contention to win the $1.5 million first prize.

The Turkish event had been billed as 'Tiger v Rory' and with McIlroy out, the 23-year old was already looking forward to time away from the course despite having to return on Friday for a Pro-Am involving all eight players.

The semi-finals take place on Thursday afternoon, with the final scheduled for Friday morning.