* Englishman says win probably best-ever performance
* Westwood set to move up to second in rankings
(Adds details, quotes)
By Martin Petty
CHON BURI, Thailand, Dec 18 (Reuters) – Former world
number one Lee Westwood surged to a seven shot victory at the
Thailand Golf Championship on the back of the “best golf” of his
stellar career on Sunday.
The Briton capped off another sparkling performance with his
third win in Asia this season and is now set to move up one
place to second in the rankings behind English compatriot Luke
Donald.
Westwood maintained the chunky lead he held from day one and
put paid to South African Charl Schwartzel’s brief resurgence,
carding a final day three-under-par 69 to finish 22-under on a
notoriously tricky course.
As U.S. Masters champion Schwartzel faded to a level-par 72
to finish second, Westwood extended his four-stroke lead to
seven to win with ease at the Asian Tour’s $1 million
season-ending inaugural tournament and notch his 37th career
title.
Aside from his erratic 73 on the third day, the former world
number one was in superb form, flirting with golf’s exclusive 59
club with a 60 on day one followed by 64 to match the Asian
Tour’s lowest-ever 36-hole total.
“I’ve amazed myself really,” Westwood said after sinking his
final putt on the 18th. “It’s been staggering, it all came
together well. It’s probably the best I’ve ever played.”
Continued…
