World number two Phil Mickelson held his nerve to avoid another meltdown, and a repeat performance of the the recent Scotish and US Opens. Mickelson edged out English duo Ross Fisher and Lee Westwood at the second play-off hole to win the HSBC Champions in Shanghai and claim his first overseas title in 14 years.
Overnight leader Mickelson held a five-stroke advantage over Fisher through seven holes of his final round, but dropped six shots in eight holes to hand Fisher a one-stroke advantage heading up the last.
Mickelson and Fisher both blew chances to win the tournament in regulation on a farcical first trip to the 18th and that let in Westwood, who hit six birdies in seven holes after the turn for a 67 to go 10-under.
All three had birdie chances at the first play-off hole, but after Westwood and Mickelson both narrowly missed, Fisher held his nerve to two-putt from eight feet.
At the second play-off hole, Westwood found water at the front of the green and Fisher hit his second into greenside bunker, with Mickelson on the fringes of the green.
Westwood, following a drop, played his fourth shot through the green and agonisingly down the slope into the water, while Fisher chipped out of the bunker to within eight feet in four.
But Mickelson played a deft flop to four feet with his third, and after Fisher missed, the American holed his birdie putt to claim the ‘Champion of Champions’ title.
American Kevin Stadler finished fourth at nine-under, with Open champion Padraig Harrington a shot further back with Vijay Singh after a final round one-under-par 71.
Paul Casey, playing in the final group with Fisher and Mickelson, endured a nightmare fourth round and carded a six-over-par 78 to slip to five under.
Final Scores and earnings (Euros) for HSBC Champions Tournament.
1. Phil Mickelson 575,444 68-66-68-76=278 -10
2. Ross Fisher 299,894 68-68-68-74=278 -10
2. Lee Westwood 299,894 70-74-67-67=278 -10
4. Kevin Stadler 172,640 64-69-73-73=279 -9
5. Padraig Harrington 133,969 68-72-69-71=280 -8
5. Vijay Singh 133,969 67-70-72-71=280 -8
7. Steve Webster 103,584 69-70-72-70=281 -7
8. Andrew McLArdy 86,320 68-69-72-73=282 -6
9. Henrik Stenson 73,200 70-70-71-72=283 -5
Mickelson said that he plans to take 2-3 months away from the game now and continue with his new Callaway equipment in preparation for next year.
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