PALIN MITENK BLOG

Smile of a champion: Jimenez claimed victory in Dubai

The winning touch which Lee Westwood rediscovered in 2009 deserted him as he lost a three-hole play-off to Spain’s Miguel Angel Jimenez in the Dubai Desert Classic.

As dusk was falling on the Emirates Golf Club, Europe’s No 1 twice missed birdie putts from inside 15 feet at the 18th hole that would have completed a unique hat-trick.

Westwood, who closed with a par 72 to join Jimenez (73) on the 11 under par mark of 277, had been looking to add to his victory in the Dubai World Championship that clinched the Race to Dubai money list.

Instead, he had to settle for second place as Jimenez, 46, produced some short game magic of which his compatriot Seve Ballesteros would have been proud.


Battle Royale: Jimenez and Westwood shake hands on the third play-off hole


At the first extra hole, Jimenez got up and down from the bank of the lake guarding the green, then he kept the play-off alive by splashing out of a bunker and holing a par putt from six yards.


Frustration: Westwood reacts after missing a putt for victory


With light fading, the pair switched to the par-four ninth, where Jimenez got down in two from the rough to take the title as Westwood missed a five-foot putt.

Westwood could climb into third place when the world rankings are published today, but he clearly missed a golden opportunity here to take his 21st European title.

‘I thought I hit the ball good in the play-off,’ said Westwood. ‘But when Miguel put his ball in a bunker and holed an 18-foot putt, the writing was on the wall. I have been treating this trip to the desert as pre-season training. I have done a lot of fitness work.’

Jimenez said: ‘My last win was in 2008, so it proves old guys like me can still win.’
A one-over-par 73 cost Rory McIlroy the chance to successfully defend the title and he had to settle for a share of sixth, two shots ahead of Tom Watson, 60, who tied for eighth after a 68.


source: dailymail