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Phil Mickelson wins WGC – HSBC Champions

Sunday, 8 November 2009
Fergus Bisset
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Phil Mickelson

World Number Two Phil Mickelson survived a nervous finish at Sheshan International GC in Shanghai to edge out Ernie Els and win the WGC - HSBC Champions by a single stroke.

The World Number Two found the rough twice on the closing hole but managed to salvage a par 5 and claim a second HSBC Champions title in the space of three years. Earlier, Ernie Els had found the water with his approach to the 18th and made his only bogey in a sparkling round of 63. The three-time Major winner eventually lost out to Mickelson by just one shot.

"It feels terrific to have won this tournament," said Mickelson. "This has been a very special event. To have a World Golf Championships here in China, and to be the champion feels great. This is my last event of the year. I won't play again until the end of January, and so to finish the year with this victory feels wonderful."

Ryan Moore completed a solid week, carding a final round of 68. The American finished alone in third place. Rory McIlroy surged up the leaderboard with a closing 63. He ended the week in fourth spot.

Tiger Woods had a poor day and could only manage a level-par 72 in the final round. He missed a number of short putts and found the water on the closing hole. He ended the tournament in a tie for sixth with Germany's Martin Kaymer.

With just two events remaining, the inaugural "Race To Dubai" could not be closer. Lee Westwood retains the lead but, after their performances in Shanghai, Rory McIlroy and Martin Kaymer have narrowed the gap to the Englishman. The youngsters are just €50,000 and €70,000 behind Westwood respectively. The contest will come right down to the wire and we should witness a thrilling climax at the Dubai World Championship at the end of this month.

WGC - HSBC Champions
Sheshan International GC, Shanghai, China
Nov 5-8, purse $7,000,000, par 72

1   Phil Mickelson (USA)   69   66   67   69   271   €807,575
2   Ernie Els (RSA)       70   71   68   63   272   €454,260
3   Ryan Moore (USA)   66   69   70   68   273   €289,381
4   Rory McIlroy (NIR)   73   68   70   63   274   €211,988
5   Nick Watney (USA)   64   70   70   71   275   €168,244
T6   Martin Kaymer (Ger)   66   74   69   67   276   €127,866
T6   Tiger Woods (USA)   67   67   70   72   276   €127,866
T8   Alvaro Quiros (Esp)   69   66   76   66   277   €99,264
T8   Lee Westwood (Eng)   70   71   65   71   277   €99,264

Note: Player scores in bold signifies Titleist ball usage only