Poulter victorious in China

Last updated: 11th November 2012

England's Ian Poulter claimed his first title of the year after shooting a final round 65 at the WGC Champions in Shenzhen, China.

The 36-year-old, who was one of Europe's stars in their dramatic Ryder Cup win in September, shot eight birdies in over the first 15 holes to take command of the co-sanctioned European and USPGA Tour event.

"It was a special day. I knew there was a good round of golf in me out there on that golf course," he commented after his round on Sunday.

Louis Oosthuizen and Lee Westwood, the overnight leaders, both fell away during their final rounds and could only shoot par 72s, while Ernie Els and Phil Mickelson usurped them to end in a tie for second, two shots behind Poulter.

American pair Jason Dufner and Scott Piercy finished level with Els and Mickelson after carding 64 and 65 respectively.

"It's been an amazing five or six weeks with the Ryder Cup and then coming here in good spirits," Poulter added, referring to his fourth place finish at the BMW Masters last week.

"I played well last week and took a lot from that. I knew that if I stayed patient I'd be right there at the end.

"It was a special day. I knew there was a good round of golf in me out there on that golf course.

"I feel confident with the putter right now. It's so nice to get my hands on another trophy and get back in the winner's circle."

England's Westwood looked in control of the final round having opened up a three-shot lead, but a double-bogey at fifth and then three more bogeys over the back nine ended his hopes of a top finish, eventually ending in a tie for sixth with Oozthuizen.

Going into the 16th Poulter led Mickelson by three, but a bogey on the 17th and then a poor approach shot on the final hole seemed to give the American an opening, but Poulter holed his birdie putt on the final green to seal his victory.