After his near-miss the previous year, McIlroy - along with Tiger Woods - was the pre-tournament favourite in 2012 and was well-placed at halfway in a share of third place, one shot off the lead on four under after rounds of 71 and 69. l40684300 Dimitri Van den Bergh, Callan Rydz and Rob Cross all took honours over the first three days of the penultimate round of Players Championship action - the final three events take place in Barnsley over November 2, 3 and 4. l40684300 "When Dean lost his job on the Sunday morning, my ears pricked up very quickly because he was someone who has always been a long-term target. l40684300 However, he could only finish tied for 21st on five under, eight behind Tiger Woods as he secured a memorable victory. l40684300