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Stricker wins Barclays Classic

27/08/2007

Steve Stricker overcame an indifferent start to his final round to produce a thrilling finale and claim the Barclays Classic title in New York, two shots ahead of KJ Choi.

Stricker reached the 14th tee on two-over for the day having made bogeys at the second, tenth and 13th holes but only grabbed a solitary birdie at the seventh hole.

He transformed his round, finishing with five birdies in the final six holes to haul himself back in front of Choi.

The 40-year-old has not won on the PGA Tour for six years and was overcome with emotion after producing the stunning comeback over the final holes.

He said: "I've been waiting for this day for a long time. I never knew if I was going to win again."

Despite his poor start Stricker felt he still had a chance to win the title, saying: "I tried to stay as positive and upbeat, just waiting for my time."

The American now leads the inaugural FedExCup series having taken maximum points with his win in New York.

Choi and Rory Sabbatini, who finished second and third at the Westchester course, are just behind Stricker in the standings while Tiger Woods, who chose to miss the Barclays Classic, lies fourth.

Justin Rose is the best placed Briton after he finished tied for 14th place in New York, leaving him 22nd in the playoff standings, while Open champion Padraig Harrington is one place behind while Luke Donald is 25th.

Twenty-four players have been cut from the field for the next tournament, the Deutsche Bank Championship, which begins in Boston on Thursday.