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SPORTSMonday 9 November 2015
Russell Knox wins 1st PGA Tour title at HSBC Champions
Russell Knox of Scotland poses with his champion trophy during the air, closed his eyes and images of past winners at this year for Kisner — the
tilted his head toward the the HSBC Champions — other three were in play-
the award ceremony of the HSBC Champions golf tournament heavens as if he couldn’t Phil Mickelson and Martin offs. He closed with a 70,
believe what he had just Kaymer, Dustin Johnson though his birdie putt on
at the Sheshan International Golf Club in Shanghai, China done. and Bubba Watson. the 18th hole was worth
Dating to when the World “Everyone who wins this an additional $285,000, a
Sunday, Nov. 8, 2015. Associated Press Golf Championship be- tournament is a superstar,” small consolation.
gan in 1999, no one had Knox said. “I knew this “That’s all right,” Kisner said.
DOUG FERGUSON SHANGHAI (AP) — Russell ever won in his debut. Knox would be the hardest day “I’ll keep finishing second
wasn’t even eligible for the in my life.” and I’ll keep giving myself
AP Golf Writer Knox raised both arms in HSBC Champions until he For a 30-year-old from a shot, and I know I’ll win
got in 10 days ago as an Scotland who had never one of them.”
alternate, and then it was won in 92 previous tries on His birdie was expensive for
a mad scramble in Malay- the PGA Tour, Knox made it Danny Willett, who closed
sia to get a Chinese visa in look like a breeze. He broke with a 62 and tied for third
time to play. out of a five-way tie for the with Ross Fisher (68). If Kisner
Walking out of the Sheshan lead with two quick birdies had not made birdie on
International clubhouse on to start the back nine and the final hole, Willett would
Sunday with a share of the was flawless the rest of the have overtaken Rory Mc-
54-hole lead, Knox noticed way for a 4-under 68 and a Ilroy in the Race to Dubai
a billboard with names and two-shot victory over Kevin on the European Tour. Wil-
Kisner. lett is playing next week in
“I always thought I was go- the BMW Masters in Shang-
ing to win a big one for my hai — McIlroy is not — and
first one,” he said. “But this even if he doesn’t pass
is going to take a long time him, the Race to Dubai will
to sink in.” come down to the final
He played alongside John- event.
son, whose power can be McIlroy closed with a 50-
so intimidating that Knox foot birdie putt for a 66,
didn’t watch him hit a shot ending a week in which
for 12 holes. In the group his energy was low while
ahead was Jordan Spieth, recovering from food poi-
on his way back to No. 1 in soning, and his putter was
the world. The cheers were cold, as it has been since
for Li Haotong, the 20-year- he returned in August from
old from Shanghai who re- his ankle injury.
ceived rock-star treatment Spieth, who started the fi-
during a wild final round nal round three shots be-
that ended with the best hind, didn’t feel comfort-
finish ever by a Chinese able with his swing and
player on the PGA Tour. didn’t make enough putts
“Incredible for me this in his round of 70. Two bird-
week,” Li said. “This for me ies on the back nine at
is very, very big.” least allowed him to tie
Imagine how it felt for Knox, for seventh, and that was
whose unexpected trip to enough to move back to
China ended with a most No. 1 in the world.
surprising victory. “Everyone is pushing each
Knox finished at 20-under other a little bit, and when
268 and earned $1.4 mil- that No. 1 ranking slips
lion, along with perks that away, it leaves some un-
include his first trip to the rest in you and you really
Masters in April. want to get back at it,”
“I got married on Saturday Spieth said.
of the Masters,” he said. Johnson wound up four
“What a great wedding shots behind, and with
anniversary we’re going to more reason than anyone
have.” to feel as though a third
It was the fourth runner-up WGC title got away.q
