McIlroy world No1 again despite loss

Final leaderboard-14: R Fowler (US) won after sudden-death play-off, DA Points (US), R McIlroy (NI)-13: W Simpson (US)-11: L Westwood (Eng), B Curtis (US), R Moore (US)-10: N Watney (US)QUAIL – Rory McIlroy returned to golf’s world number one spot, despite losing a play-off to Rickie Fowler, who won his first PGA Tour title at Quail Hollow Club.The duo tied at 14 under with DA Points and headed into a sudden-death play-off for the Wells Fargo Championship.American Fowler, the world number 39, took the title after producing a superb approach shot at the first extra hole.McIlroy’s second-place finish was enough for him to leapfrog Luke Donald at the top of the world rankings.“It’s a little consolation,” said the 23-year-old Northern Irishman. “I would rather win the tournament, but it’s good. “I want to try to play well for the next few weeks and solidify my spot at number one.”Fowler, also 23, was making his 67th PGA Tour start since turning professional in 2009.He needed just one hole to win the play-off - sinking a four-foot putt to birdie the 18th hole, while McIlroy and Points could only par.Fowler carded the best final round of the trio, a three-under 69, but it was not the best of the day.That honour went to Englishman Lee Westwood. The world number three was clubhouse leader for much of the afternoon after firing a fine six-under-par round of 66 to reach 11 under.

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McIlroy world No1 again despite loss