Golf:Paul Casey jumped to third in the world rankings after defying a determined final-day charge from fellow Englishman Briton Ross Fisher to win the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth today.
Casey started the day three strokes clear of the field but local boy Fisher, from nearby Ascot, reeled off eight birdies in a best-of-the-week 64 to set the clubhouse target on 16-under 272 in glorious sunshine at the Surrey venue.
However, the overnight leader responded with birdie fours at the last two holes, sinking a four-foot putt at the 18th to secure his third victory of the season with a closing 68 and a 271 tally.
The 31-year-old Casey, who also won in Abu Dhabi in January and Houston last month, picked up a cheque for €750,000.
"That was not an easy putt (at the last) but it went right in the middle of the hole," said Casey after his round.
"The BMW PGA Championship is our flagship event on the European Tour and I've always wanted to get my hands on this trophy. This feels fantastic."
In third place on 275 was Dane Soren Kjeldsen (69), one ahead of Wales Stephen Dodd (67). Rory McIlroy’s challenge faltered on the back nine and the 20-year-old eventually signed for a 71 to be fifth on 10-under.
Former British Open champion Ben Curtis produced a remarkable birdie-birdie-eagle-eagle finish to shoot 67 for a nine-under 279.
Holder Miguel Angel Jimenez recorded only the second albatross since the tournament's inception in 1955, the Spaniard using a six-iron to hole out from 205 yards for a two at the par-five fourth on his way to a 76 and 288.
American John Daly, sporting a bright pink outfit in a gesture of support for world number two Phil Mickelson's wife Amy who was this week diagnosed with breast cancer, ended his campaign with a 75 for 296.
Graeme McDowell’s closing 69 moved the 29-year-old up into a tie for 13th on five-under, while Darren Clarke (71) finished two-over.
