Scheffler wins Master, McIlroy finishes second

World number one Scottie Scheffler cemented his place as the dominant force in the men's game by winning the Masters and clinching his first major.

Scheffler won with a one-under 71, missing two short putts for a double bogey on 18, to finish 10 under par and claim the Green Jacket at Augusta.

The 25-year-old American finished three shots clear of Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy, who shot an extraordinary 64.

Australia's Cameron Smith, in the last pair with Scheffler, hit a 73.

World number six Smith was aiming for a rare double of Players Championship and Masters victories, but ended up finishing third on five under alongside Ireland's Shane Lowry.

McIlroy, who started the day one over, raised hopes of a sensational comeback when he holed out of the greenside bunker amid incredible scenes on the 18th, moving within three shots of the lead.

However, Scheffler remained steady and extended his advantage, which meant his late wobble on the 18th green did not matter.

The US Ryder Cup star held a three-shot overnight lead and continued his recent dominance with another commanding performance in Sunday's final round.

Afterwards, Scheffler revealed he "cried like a baby" on Sunday morning because he doubted if he was ready to win one of the sport's most iconic tournaments.

Because of the composure he shows on course, Scheffler's candid admission about the "overwhelming" emotion he felt before Sunday's round was a surprise.

It was also surprising because he has been the outstanding player on the PGA Tour this year and his ascension to major champion at Augusta this week looked to be a natural progression.

But the magnitude of the Masters, and the weight of history at Augusta, makes it a different proposition to the rest.

Scheffler had not won a tour event until this year, triumphing at the Phoenix Open in his 71st senior tournament, then adding two more victories sat the Arnold Palmer Invitational and the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play.

While he is the standout player in 2022, Smith is not far behind.

As well as the Players Championship, the Australian also won the Tournament of Champions which means the two men had won five of the year's six strongest tournaments between them.

That set up the prospect of a tantalising duel on a gorgeous spring afternoon which offered the chance for birdies.

The highlight of Scheffler's round was a stunning chip-in for birdie on the third, which turned momentum back in his favour after 28-year-old Smith had already reduced the gap to one shot.

On holing out the bump and run, Scheffler said: "I was very excited and a bit surprised, it was not a shot I expected to go in.

"I wouldn't say it changed the complexion of the day but it helped me get on a roll."