Mahan wins WGC Match Play title to deny McIlroy No.1 spot

February 26, 2012 -- Updated 2318 GMT (0718 HKT)

Hunter Mahan shakes hands with Rory McIlroy after beating him 2&1 in the final in Arizona.

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

• Hunter Mahan beats Rory McIlroy in final of WGC Match Play
• Mahan's victory denies McIlroy World No.1 spot
• American never looks back after taking four-hole lead
• Mark Wilson beats Lee Westood in third-place playoff

(CNN) -- Hunter Mahan thwarted Rory McIlroy's bid to become World No.1 by beating the Northern Irishman 2&1 in the final of the WGC Match Play Championship in Arizona Sunday.

McIlroy needed to claim the title to dislodge England's Luke Donald from top spot, but could find no answer to his 29-year-old American opponent, who was winning his second World Golf Championship event.

All square through the first five holes, Mahan dramatically turned the match his way by winning the next four holes through a mixture of brilliance and mistakes by McIlroy.

22-year-old McIlroy chipped in for an eagle to win the par-five 11th and pulled a further hole back with a birdie at the 14th, but could make no further impression.

Mahan, who made six birdies in the final, is the first American to win the Match Play crown at Dove Mountain since Tiger Woods in 2008.

It was his fourth career victory on the PGA Tour.

Earlier, No-2 ranked McIlroy beat Ryder Cup teammate and World No.3 Lee Westwood 3&1 in their semifinal.

England's Westwood too knew overall victory would see him regain the No.1 spot, but he found McIlroy in inspired form.

The U.S. Open champion found himself three down after four holes to his former stablemate Westwood, but he staged a sterling recovery to win four of the next five.

Leading by one hole at the turn, McIlroy was never headed again and carded seven birdies in a fine victory.

Mahan started fast against his semifinal opponent Mark Wilson, winning the opening two holes.

But the all-American clash remained close throughout and Mahan had to wait until the 17th to close out a 2&1 victory.

Wilson beat Westwood 1-up in the third place playoff.

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