Mickelson wins HSBC Champions

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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.

Mickelson wins HSBC Champions

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