Rory McIlroy tied eighth after late birdies at Sawgrass

Rory McIlroy birdied four of his last six holes in the Players Championship to finish joint eighth at Sawgrass.

The world number two from Holywood was two over for the front nine but picked up shots at 13, 15, 16 and 17 to post a two-under-par 69.

McIlroy finished the tournament on seven under, six strokes behind winner Tiger Woods.

Padraig Harrington was well down the field on seven over after a disappointing 76 on Sunday.

Portrush player Graeme McDowell missed the halfway cut by two strokes.

World number one Woods won by two shots from Kevin Streelman, Jeff Maggert and David Lingmerth.