hong kong open

McDowell narrowed Kaymer's lead in the Race to just under €291,000 after finishing fifth behind Ryder Cup team-mate Ian Poulter in the Hong Kong Open.

Poulter has bumped Rory McIlroy out of the top 10 in the world rankings in capturing the Hong Kong title in his first appearance in the event. It is Poulter's second win this year after capturing the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship.

McIlroy started with a bogey en route to 67 to finish sixth, one place behind McDowell on 18-under-par.

Damien McGrane signed off for a 63 that included driving the shortened par-four 10th green for eagle, and six birdies, to finish tied 11th on 15-under-par.

McDowell, McIlroy, Clarke, Maybin and Hoey all retain their full Tour membership for next season.


Ian Poulter held off a spirited challenge from Matteo Manassero to win the Hong Kong Open by one stroke. The 17-year-old Manassero shot an eight-under-par 62 at the Fanling course and finished at 21-under 259, but Poulter’s 67 was enough to secure his 10th win on the European Tour.

Mallinger made a 25-foot birdie putt on No. 18 to finish at 15-under 273. He won $60,000. Pebble Beach

Mr. Liang has finished in the top 15 in the past four Hong Kong Open tournaments.

Mr. Kaymer decided to skip the Hong Kong tournament to prepare for the Dubai World Championship next week. A win in Hong Kong for Mr. McDowell would make him almost even with Mr. Kaymer in the rankings going into Dubai.

The Hong Kong Open starts at 6:50 a.m. Thursday at the Hong Kong Golf Club (www.hkgolfclub.org) in Fanling, and finishes Saturday, weather permitting.

Ian Poulter posted a three-under 67 on Sunday to earn a hard-fought victory at the Hong Kong Open, his 10th European Tour title.

Poulter finished at 22-under 258 and won by a single stroke over teenager Matteo Manassero (62) and Simon Dyson (65) at Hong Kong Golf Club.

"Today was pretty flawless golf," admitted Poulter in a televised interview. "I played great all week. At the par-five third, Poulter's four-iron second shot landed in water. Poulter rebounded at the very next hole. Dyson missed a four-foot par save at the eighth and Poulter was alone in first. Manassero birdied 12, eagled 13 and birdied 15 and 17 to get to 21-under par. Dyson sank a 12-footer for birdie at 15 and Poulter's lead shrunk to two shots.

After Dyson nearly made a lengthy birdie putt at 18, Poulter still held a two- shot margin on the 18th tee. Poulter lagged his par putt down to tap-in range, then did just that for his 10th European Tour victory.