Westwood triumps in Malaysian Open

Former world number one ends two-year drought.

KUALA LAMPUR: Lee Westwood ended a two-year wait for a title with an emphatic seven-stroke victory to clinch the rain-soaked Malaysian Open in style on Sunday.

The Englishman, who saw his lead trimmed to a single stroke on Saturday, cut a composed figure going into the final round as he notched a clean-card score, including four birdies, to finish at four-under 68 and reclaim the title he last won in 1997.

A four-hour delay due to torrential rain at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club did nothing to deter the former world number one, who carded two birdies after the delay.

He completed his win in style, holing a 20-foot birdie putt on the last for an 18-under-par 270 winning total to celebrate his first title since the 2012 Nordea Masters.

The 40-year-old was relieved to end his two-year drought and claim a 41st career title, including a 13th on Asian soil.

“Yes, this win has come at an important time,” he said. “I am delighted to win. You have to play really well to win any tournament by seven shots and I played well this week without making many mistakes.”

“I always play well in Asia, especially Malaysia. I just kept my foot down, tried not to commit any bogeys and give the other lads any chance.”

The $2.75 million tournament saw three runners-up including Austrian Bernd Wiesberger who carded the day’s best score of five-under 67.

Also sharing second spot were South Africa’s Louis Oosthuizen and Nicolas Colsaerts of Belgium, ending the tournament on 11-under.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 21^st, 2014.

Like Sports on Facebook, follow @ETribuneSports on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.