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Tearful Woods wins Open crown

23/07/2006

Tiger Woods has won his 11th Major crown after winning the 135th British Open, finishing two strokes ahead of compatriot Chris DiMarco at Hoylake.

The world number one lifted the Claret Jug for the second successive year after carding a round of 67 to finish on 18 under par for the tournament and pockets a winners cheque of £720,000.

The American star, who maintains his record of never having lost a third round lead in a Major, tapped in the 560-yard 18th hole for par to claim the equal best round of the day and clinch victory.

DiMarco carded a final round of 68 to finish on 16 under and boost his chances of making the USA's Ryder Cup team.

South African Ernie Els finished on 13 under, one shot ahead of American Jim Furyk.

Sergio Garcia, who was seen as Wood's main European challenger, faltered on the front nine and finished joint fifth with Japan's Hideto Tanihara on 11 under.

Anthony Wall was the best placed Englishman, finishing on eight under in an otherwise poor showing for the home favourites.

But it was Wood's day after he moved away from his rivals after an eagle on the fifth after Els had briefly shared the lead on 13 under.

Despite a bogey on the 12th hole to lead by one stroke, Woods, 30, showed his class by making three successive birdies starting on the 14th to maintain his overnight lead.

DiMarco birdied the 554-yard 16th hole but the turning point occured on the 17th hole after the 37-year old missed his birdie putt.

There was a brief delay after protestors sprayed purple flower bombs on the 18th green but it failed to distract the defending champion.

Woods then burst into tears on completing his round, only his third outing since the death of his father Earl Woods.

The win is Woods' third at the Open and he is now joint second with Walter Hagen on Major victories, seven behind Jack Nicklaus' record of 18.

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