Rory McIlroy to defend Players title despite withdrawal from Invitational

• Northern Irishman pulls out before third round

• I felt a twinge in my back, it became muscle spasms'

Rory McIlroy is confident of defending his Players Championship title from Thursday despite withdrawing from the Arnold Palmer Invitational 35 minutes before his third round. McIlroy suffered back spasms and was unwilling to potentially put appearances at the Players and next month's Masters at risk by taking to the course at Bay Hill. McIlroy will also be defending the crown at Augusta National.

While warming up in the gym this morning, I felt a small twinge in my back," McIlroy said. As I started hitting balls on the range before the round, it worsened and developed into muscle spasms in my lower back. Unfortunately, I'm not able to continue and have to withdraw. I was excited to compete this weekend. I wish the Arnold Palmer Invitational a great finish and look forward to being back next year."