Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy has pocketed the two million dollars (1.4 million euros) reserved for the winner of the Shanghai Masters, one of the highest prizes in world golf, after beating American Anthony Kim in the final play-off.
McIlroy, winner of the last US Open, led by three strokes before the last day, but was unable to go over par on the final day on the Jack Nicklaus-designed Lake Malaren course and was forced to play an overtime with Kim. On the first playoff hole, the Northern Irishman took the final victory.
The winner was ambitious after his victory. “I am the first to think that I should have won more in my four years as a professional. Today was a great day, playing under pressure. Winning in a position like this gives me a lot of satisfaction. I don’t care how I win as long as my name is on the trophy at the end of the day,” he said.
The 22-year-old golfer is considering his next goal, to snatch the world number one ranking from England’s Luke Donald. “I want to get closer to Luke. He won’t be playing in the WGC Champions next week and I know I can challenge for the win,” said McIlroy. Donald will be absent from the upcoming tournament because he will be accompanying his wife Diane, who is about to give birth to their second child.
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