SHANGHAI: Martin Kaymer of Germany made nine birdies over his last 12 holes on Sunday and closed with a 9-under 63 to win the HSBC Champions for the biggest comeback victory ever in a World Golf Championship.
Starting the final round five shots behind Fredrik Jacobson, with a host of stars around him, Kaymer ran off four straight birdies to start the back nine at Sheshan International. He finally caught Jacboson with a birdie on the 13th, and then poured it on.
Kaymer delivered the lowest closing round by a WGC winner since the series began in 1999, topping the 64 by Hunter Mahan last year at the Bridgestone Invitational.
Australian Adam Scott closed within two shots of the lead early in the round until making two soft bogeys and never recovering. He closed with a 73 and was eight shots behind. Northern Ireland’s Graeme McDowell closed with two birdies for a 67 to finish alone in third, quite a turnaround from last week in the Andalucia Masters when he failed to break 80 over the last two rounds at Valderrama.
Compatriot Rory McIlroy made a short birdie on the par-5 18th that gave him a 69 and was significant for one other reason. With a three-way tie for fourth, he moved past Lee Westwood to No. 2 in the world. Westwood, playing in the same group, shot 40 on the front nine and closed with a 74 to tie for 13th.
It was the second win of the year for Kaymer, who moves to No. 4 in the world. (Agencies)