Donald Tops World Rankings

A dramatic play-off victory over Lee Westwood ensured Luke Donald swapped places with his fellow-countryman at the top of the world rankings. Both players finished the regular tournament at six under par, two clear of the chasing pack. When the action returned to the 18th hole for the sudden-death shootout, Westwood found the water in front of the green and could only muster a seven, effectively ending his challenge. Donald claimed the tournament in style by rolling in his 10ft birdie putt.

It could have so easily been a different story after Westwood stormed into a two shot lead with only three of the regular 72 holes remaining. He then three-putted the 16th while his rival pounced for birdie on the same green. Westwood then had chances to win on 17 and 18 when his final birdie putt would have done the trick with Donald scrambling for par.

With so little to choose between the two Englishman, the bookies broadly regard them as joint favourites for the US Open, the second major of the year, now only a few weeks away. Both players can be picked up at a best price of 14/1 with Totesport.

There was a more surprising winner in the Byron Nelson Championship where rookie Keegan Bradley won, again in a play-off. This time Ryan Palmer was the unfortunate runner-up after Sergio Garcia fell away with a final round 77.