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Posted 11/8/2007 @ 3:13:00 pm by golfkingblog.com
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Phil Mickelson rarely competes on the Asian Tour, but maybe that's about to change. Mickelson claimed the HSBC Champions title in Shanghai, prevailing in a playoff over Ross Fisher and Lee Westwood to claim the top prize of $833,000. Not only was it Mickelson's first career win on the Asian tour, it was his first victory overseas in 14 years.
Mickelson never would have had a chance for the title if Fisher didn't fold on the final hole in regulation. Fisher, who enjoyed a two-stroke lead with one hole to play, found the water on 18, taking a double-bogey. The mistake allowed both Mickelson and Westwood to catch him from behind, forcing the three-way playoff.
All three competitors parred the first extra playoff hole. On the second playoff hole, also played on the 18th, Westwood fell out of contention when he hit his ball into the water on two consecutive shots. Fisher hit a bunker, and the subsequent stroke left him 10 feet from a birdie. Mickelson chipped to within four feet of the hole and sank the birdie putt to claim the championship.
Despite getting all wet in the playoff, Westwood had to be quite pleased with his showing. He started the final round nine strokes behind the leaders, sinking six birdies on the back nine to reach the playoff.
Mickelson, Fisher, and Westwood ended regulation at 278. Kevin Stadler finished one back at 279, followed by Vijay Singh and Padraig Harrington at 280.
