India, April 13 -- By the second hole on Sunday, Rory McIlroy had lost a historic six-shot lead that he had compiled after 36 holes at the Masters.

As he made the turn, there were just too many players snapping at his heels, gnawing at the possibility of preventing him from a back-to-back Green Jacket. Old adversary Justin Rose, whom he beat in a playoff last year, had snatched the lead by one shot with a superb front nine. World No.1 Scottie Scheffler was lurking ominously among the chasing pack. Overnight leader Cameron Young had a few hiccups after taking an early lead, but he wasn't falling apart.

Somehow, the 36-year-old Northern Irishman navigated it all with the calmness of a sage. In the back of his mind, he knew anything could ...