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Rory defiant after Swiss miss

Teenager takes the positives from play-off agony in Switzerland

Last updated: 8th September 2008

McIlroy: Painful defeat

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Rory McIlroy insists he will take valuable lessons from his painful play-off defeat at the Omega European Masters over the weekend.

The 19-year-old from Northern Ireland looked poised to become the third youngest winner ever on the European Tour as he headed down the last at Crans-sur-Sierre needing just a par to secure victory.

McIlroy left himself a putt of five feet to seal the deal, but pulled it wide before going on to miss from barely 18 inches at the second extra hole to hand victory to Frenchman Jean-Francois Lucquin.

Had he triumphed, McIlroy would have forced his way into the world's top 100, but the teenager tried to remain philosophical after his agonising loss.

"Obviously I'm very disappointed," stated the Northern Irish youngster who had started the final round with a four-shot lead. "But I can take a lot from this week.

"I came here after three missed cuts in a row and found a bit of form. I played well all week, but it would have been nice to go home with the trophy.

"I have plenty more tournaments even this year. It would be great to get a win this year, but if not I have the rest of my career."