McIlroy wins in Shanghai

Rory McIlroy came had to come through a tense play-off to win the Shanghai Masters and claim the richest prize in golf.

The US Open Champion defeated the American Anthony Kim to collect the bumper £1.24 million prize money.

Sports betting pundits note how McIlroy gave up a three shot lead early on, but put in a fighting display on the back nine to finish level with Kim at 18 under par.

The Northern Irishman could have won the tournament on the 18th green, with an eight foot putt for birdie, but missed by inches.

That meant the duo went to a play-off, and neither got off to a particularly strong start, driving into the bunker on the first hole.

It did not matter, however, as both players recovered well to reach the green together; when Kim missed his putt, though, McIlroy sealed the championship victory by sinking his.

Hunter Mahan and Noh Seung-Yul finished joint third on 13 under par.

In what was a dramatic tournament, England’s Lee Westwood provided one of the highlights, as he hit a stunning hole in one on the 12th as well as seven birdies to card an impressive round of 67.

It helped him to finish in fifth place at 12 under par, and record his best round of the week, despite finishing with two bogeys.

Ahead of the tournament, few would have expected the final day of the competition to become a two horse race between McIlroy and world number 82, Kim.

But it provided a thrilling encounter for those placing sports bets on the event between two players playing some of their best golf of the season.

It has been an up and down year for McIlroy. This win, coupled with the US Open victory will no doubt have been the highlights, while his capitulation at Augusta in the Masters will no doubt linger on in the memory.

 

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