Date: October 28, 2012
Author: Omnisport

Hanson holds off McIlroy in Shanghai

Sweden&aposs Peter Hanson survived a late charge from world No.1 Rory McIlroy to win the BMW Masters on Sunday. Hanson, the overnight leader, carded a five-under 67 for a four-round total of 21-under 267 in the European Tour event at the Lake Malaren Golf Club in Shanghai. Northern Irishman McIlroy (67) was second, one shot behind the winner. McIlroy posted an eagle on the par-five 15th hole followed by a birdie on the par-four 16th but was unable to force a playoff or better. Hanson made a strong start to the final round, adding six birdies before faltering slightly with a bogey on the par-four 18th hole. “It was a little bit tense,” Hanson said. “Rory made a tremendous effort with his eagle on 15 and birdie on 16, so it put quite a bit of pressure on me. “I was trying to play it a little bit safe but against the world No.1 you still have to hit the shots. “Rory gave me a bit of a cushion early today. He missed a few short putts over the first few holes and in the end that was all I needed.” Luke Donald (66) was third at 17 under, one stroke ahead of fellow Englishman Ian Poulter (65). Irishman Shane Lowry (68) was fifth at 15 under, followed by Louis Oosthuizen (68), Paul Casey (68), Justin Rose (69), Alexander Noren (69) and George Coetzee (71) in equal sixth at 14 under. Richard Green (68), the only Australian in the field, was in a tie for 26th at eight under.