Scotland's Russell Knox makes history with WGC title

Russell Knox became the first Scotsman to win a World Golf Championships event when he held off a world-class field for a two-stroke win here yesterday

Shanghai: Russell Knox became the first Scotsman to win a World Golf Championships event when he held off a world-class field for a two-stroke win here yesterday.


Scotsman Russell Knox and wife Andrea pose with his WGC-HSBC Champions winner's trophy in Shanghai yesterday. Pic/AFP

His final round four-under par 68 at the $8.5 million WGC-HSBC Champions gave him a total of 268, 20-under par.

Kevin Kisner of the US was second on 270, while English pair Danny Willett and Ross Fisher tied for third a further stroke behind. Knox started the day at 85th in the world golf rankings and could now move into the top 30 when the new standings are announced on Monday.

The 30-year-old from Inverness, who is based in USA and plays solely on the US PGA Tour, still had to play the final hole of his third round early yesterday after walking off in bad light after dusk on Saturday at Sheshan International Golf Club.

It proved a timely decision as, with weather conditions more benign, he picked up a birdie four to move into a share of the lead. He carried the momentum through to the final round to card six birdies and two bogeys en route to his maiden victory and the $1.4 million winner's cheque.

"It sounds unbelievable but I always kind of thought I was going to win a big one for some reason as my first one," said Knox.

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