Showing a solid game, the American Hunter Mahan was proclaimed winner of the Accenture World Match Play Championship for the first time in his career, played in Arizona, after defeating Northern Ireland’s Rory Mcilroy this Sunday in the grand final by 2 and 1. In this way, Mahan won the fourth title of his career, and for this victory he pocketed one million 400 thousand dollars destined for the champion, of the eight million 500 thousand dollars that were to be distributed in prizes. With this victory, the American prevented the young Northern Irish player, Mcilroy, from taking the first position in the world rankings, in addition to cutting the streak of titles won by British golfers, since in 2010, the champion was Ian Poulter and in 2011 it was Luke Donald’s turn.
After an even start, after the first five holes were still tied, the American was able to start building a solid lead by winning four of the next five holes and was able to resist the final onslaught of the Northern Irishman, who shortened the distance by winning the 11th and 14th holes with eagle and birdie, respectively. Despite the effort, McIlroy could not get any closer to his rival because, in what was his last chance, the Northern Irishman left a putt just a few centimeters away, which would have allowed him to stay alive in this event and by settling for par, he handed the title to his rival.
Finally, in the fight for third place, the victory went to the American Mark Wilson, who battled to be one ahead of the British Lee Westwood and thus close with a victory in this competition.
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