Monday, 21 November 2011 11:27 AM
Former world number one Tiger Woods has led his US teammates to victory in this weekends Presidents Cup in Melbourne after clinching the winning point during his victory against Australias Aaron Baddely.
The talented professional beat his opponent four and three to give his squad the 18 points required to retain the title, which was strikingly similar to his victory against YE Yang in the 2009 cup where the US won the title for the sixth time.
Woodss teammates enjoyed a 13-9 lead against their international rivals going into the singles round on the final day, but lost four matches before the 35-year old managed to seal the victory.
I played well all week, but unfortunately didnt make any putts in the first four matches, Woods told BBC Sport. Today was a different deal - they poured right in.
His impressive performance comes as US captain Fred Couples, who is celebrating his second victory in charge of the US side, praised his performance after selecting Woods as a controversial wildcard due to a series of injuries and poor performances among other players.
I got frustrated a bit by the attacks on his selection because I felt I was picking the greatest player Ive ever seen play, he commented.
The triumph comes after the international players, who have failed to win the trophy since 1998, proved they meant business during the opening moments of the final day, with Australias Adam Scott beating the previously undefeated Phil Mickelson by two and one.
KT Kim, South Africas Charl Schwartzel, Ryo Ishikawa and Geoff Ogilvy also helped to provide the international side with some hope, but the talented bunch failed to make the cut as their opponents stormed to success.
Meanwhile, Irelands Padraig Harrington failed to take the top spot at the Johor Open in Malaysia this weekend, where he was defending his title, after finishing in joint third place at 13-under-par in the rain-affected competition.
The 40-year-old finished just two strokes behind Dutchman Joost Luiten, who took the crown for the first time at the event following a final round score of 66 where he came from behind to triumph against overnight leader Daniel Chopra.
Im a little disappointed with the finished result, but you cant win them all, said Harrington.
Welshman Rhys Davies and Englands James Morrison joined Harrington in third position on the leaderboard at the Horizon Hills Golf and Country Club, where the tournament was reduced to 54 holes after heavy rain affected play on Saturday November 19th. ..
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