Rory McIlroy has admitted that Harris English was the more consistent player following the American's triumph over him in the WGC World Match Play in Arizona.

The Briton lost out to his opponent at the 19th hole, but insisted that he was satisfied with his overall performance.

"Obviously a little bit disappointed with how I finished," McIlroy told reporters. "Being two down with five to go, playing the last five holes like I did, I was happy about that.

"I didn't hit the greatest drive off the 19th and got a pretty bad lie in the rough. It was just unfortunate. I played pretty well for the most part.

"But, you know, he played really solid today and didn't really do much wrong, didn't really give me anything. So the more consistent player won at the end of the day."

Fellow British hopeful Justin Rose also bowed out in the second round, crashing to defeat against Ernie Els at the 20th hole.