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Howell victorious at inaugural HSBC Champions event
14 November 2005
Englishman David Howell fired six birdies in his final round at the HSBC Champions event in Shanghai to secure a famous two stroke victory, and first prize of US$833,300.
Howell’s winning total of 20 under par was too good for the chasing pack, led by world number one Tiger Woods.
Beginning the day one shot ahead of Woods and Australian Nick O'Hern, Howell overcame the pressure of the occasion to clinch his third Tour title at the Sheshan International Golf Club. The Englishman started brightly with birdies at the 2nd, 3rd, 5th and 7th, and in spite of bogies at 8 and 9, his round of 68 put him three shots clear of runner-up Woods and six ahead of fellow Englishman Nick Dougherty in third place.
Howell shared a few words with Woods after putting out on the 18th. Asked if such a high profile win was what he had been dreaming of, he commented, "It may be something I have dreamed of but probably didn't think was going to come true.
"This is a big, new event and I came here looking for a good finish. To end up in the last group, with the lead, playing the world's No.1 player - you know it's going to be a big day in your career."
Elsewhere, this year’s HSBC World Match Play Champion, New Zealand’s Michael Campbell, finished at 10 under after a final round of 73.
The inaugural HSBC Champions was the richest tournament in Chinese and Asian golfing history, offering a prize fund of US$5 million.
Read more about HSBC's golf sponsorships here.
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