Both Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods were beaten in their opening matches of the World Golf Finals in Istanbul earlier today.

World number one McIlroy was defeated by six shots in the Turkish capital by American Matt Kuchar.

The Irishman had been in contention until a run of a triple-bogey and two double-bogeys between holes 15 and 17 ended his bid for victory.

"I was playing pretty well until the 15th, then hit a loose tee shot there and was messing about in the trees and making seven," said McIlroy. "Then I hit it into the hazard on 16 and was just trying to get the round done. I lost a bit of concentration, went a few behind and gave up a bit.

"If it was a different format and a different tournament it might not have got as out of control as it did, but that's just the way it is."

Meanwhile, world number two Woods lost by one shot to Charl Schwartzel after he recorded a bogey on the 18th.

McIlroy and Woods are due to meet in the final match of Group One tomorrow afternoon.