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Rory hopeful of rapid Tiger return

Rory McIlroy is hopeful Tiger Woods will shake off his problems © PA Photos

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World No. 1 Rory McIlroy has his fingers crossed Tiger Woods shakes off his latest injury in time to make the Masters.

Woods had made strides back towards the top since the turn of the year, but his comeback has been derailed by injury that forced him to walk off during the fourth round of the WGC-Cadillac Championship.

The injury has been described as an Achilles problem and with the Masters a month away, his participation in the opening major of the year is in doubt.

McIlroy feels it would be a huge blow if Woods did not make it to Augusta, as he believes the 14-time major winner provides a spark that no other player can.

"It's a shame, because he looked like he was coming out this year, swinging it really well, playing good, getting himself into contention," McIlroy said. "It's probably just precautionary, but I really hope he's healthy for the Masters, because obviously it would be a great week with him there.

"Tiger Woods has been the face of golf for the last 15 years. And you know, feeling like he's coming back to his best or something near his best, it's great for the game. He can spark an interest in golf that no one else can.

"It's great to see him back and in contention. And as I said last week, I'd love to have a lot of battles with him coming down the stretch, and it would be great to be able to do that at Augusta, if obviously he's healthy and plays well, and if I can get myself into that position again, as well."

Justin Rose held off a charge from McIlroy to claim his first WGC title, and it propelled him up the world rankings to No. 7. Bubba Watson surrendered a three-shot lead on the final day on account of an inconsistent display, but he still climbed to No. 16.

World Rankings: 1. Rory McIlroy (NIR), 2. Luke Donald (ENG), 3. Lee Westwood (ENG), 4. Martin Kaymer (GER), 5. Steve Stricker (USA), 6. Charl Schwartzel (RSA), 7. Justin Rose (ENG), 8. Webb Simpson (USA), 9. Jason Day (AUS), 10. Hunter Mahan (USA), 11. Adam Scott (AUS), 12. Dustin Johnson (USA), 13. Phil Mickelson (USA), 14. Bill Haas (USA), 15. Matt Kuchar (USA), 16. Bubba Watson (USA), 17. Graeme McDowell (NIR), 18. Tiger Woods (USA), 19. Nick Watney (USA), 20. Keegan Bradley (USA)

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