McIlroy and Spaun face Monday play-off at The Players

Rory McIlroy will have to return on Monday for a play-off after American JJ Spaun erased his lead over the final few holes at a storm-affected Players Championship.

After a four-hour delay for lightning in Florida, the 2019 champion raced into a three-shot lead at the 12th hole, only to lose his touch on the greens and be dragged back by overnight leader Spaun.

Indeed, Spaun was inches from winning it as his fine birdie putt from 31 feet on the 18th green stopped agonisingly short.

As the daylight disappeared, it was confirmed McIlroy and Spaun will take part in a three-hole play-off on Monday from 13:00 GMT at TPC Sawgrass to decide who will win the 51st iteration of the PGA Tour's flagship event.

More to follow.