Micklelson rallies to win HSBC Champions by One Stroke

Phil Mickelson held off late challengers Ernie Els and Roy McIlroy to claim the HSBC Champions tournament in Shanghai.

Mickelson, the world No. 2, found the rough twice on the final hole, although he managed to avoid dropping a shot to finish on 17-under-par 271 for the event.

“It’s my last event of the year and to finish like this is just wonderful,” Mickelson told the British Broadcasting Corp. “It feels terrific.”

The 39-year-old becomes the first person to win the tournament twice, following his 2007 victory. Mickelson collects a check for $1.2 million.

Both Els and McIlroy hit course record rounds of 63 to push Mickelson to the final hole, but the American held his nerve to shoot a 69 and finish on -17.

"It certainly gives me a lot of momentum going into the next two weeks," McIlroy said. "Hopefully, it's a bit of a springboard into the next two weeks. Looking forward to it now."

Lee Westwood over took Padraig Harrington at the top of Europe's Ryder Cup points table with an 8th place finish.

World number one, Tiger Woods started the day two shots off overnight leader Mickelson but the world number one had a rare off day with a level par 72.

"Anything that could go wrong went wrong for me today," Woods said.

1 Phil MICKELSON    -17    69    66    67    69
2 Ernie ELS        -16    70    71    68    63
3 Ryan MOORE        -15    66    69    70    68
4 Rory MCILROY        -14    73    68    70    63
5 Nick WATNEY        -13    64    70    70    71
T6 Tiger WOODS        -12    67    67    70    72
T6 Martin KAYMER    -12    66    74    69    67
T8 Lee WESTWOOD        -11    70    71    65    71