I have NEVER heard of a master link being called a split link......
and I've been around bikes longer then most.
I never knew it mattered what direction the thing goes on went. just pop it on and leave it. I don't think it cares either.
why run a masterlink when you can simply use a chain tool? chain tool is cheap and you won't cuss and hurt your fingers like you do with those stupid clips that hold the master link on....