Russell Knox has become the first Scotsman to win a World Golf Championship event, holding off a world-class field for a two-stroke victory at the HSBC Champions tournament in Shanghai.
Scottish golfer Russell Knox. Photo: AFP
Knox won the $12.8-million event with a 20-under par total, finishing two strokes ahead of the American Kevin Kisner.
It was Florida-based Knox's first victory on a major tour and the world number 85, who was initially 7th reserve for the Shanghai event, is now qualified for the US Masters in April.
Knox's win could improve him more than 55 places into the top 30 in the world rankings, and he's now qualified for the US Masters in April.
Meanwhile, American golfer Jordan Spieth is world number one again, reclaiming the top ranking from Australia's Jason Day after his tie for 7th behind Knox.
In the new rankings released today the current Masters and US Open champion leapfrogged Day, who skipped Shanghai to be at the birth of his second child.
- AFP/AAP
