Kaymer Rallies with 63 to Win HSBC Champions


Martin Kaymer overcame a five-shot lead held by Fredrik Jacobson entering the final round by firing a 9-under 63 and winning the HSBC Champions. The $7 million World Golf Championship took place at Sheshan International Golf Club in Shanghai.

After six straight pars to start Sunday's round, Kaymer reeled off nine birdies over the next 12 holes to stage the biggest comeback in a WGC event, shooting a 7-under 29 on the back nine. It was also the lowest final round ever in a WGC tournament, topping the 64 by Hunter Mahan in the 2010 Bridgestone Invitational.

"I just played really good golf, and I'm glad that it came together," said Kaymer, who ended up at 20-under 268. "The last few weeks, I played good golf, but it has not happened yet. And this week, it was nice that it happened here, the World Golf Championship event."

After closing with a 71, Jacobson finished three shots back at 17-under 271. Graeme McDowell had a 67 for solo third at 272, while tied for fourth at 273 were Charl Schwartzel (65), Paul Casey (67) and Rory McIlroy (69).

Kaymer, the 2010 PGA champion, became the 10th player to win WGC and major titles.

After opening with a 67, 66 and 67 to take a two-stroke lead into the final round, Jacobson couldn't quite pull off the victory. Yet the tall Swede was pleased with his play in China. "I wish I could have made maybe a couple of more putts along the way to really get a little bit of a cushion and put a little bit more pressure on Martin coming down the stretch," he said. "I gave it my everything, and overall, a great week."

After winning a tournament in Abu Dhabi and becoming the No. 1-ranked player in the world in February, Kaymer saw his game stagnate. "It was an OK year. But now it's a good year," he said after winning the HSBC Champions and earning $1.2 million.

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