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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Monday, November 10, 2008

Garcia wins; now No. 2 in rankings

Associated Press

SHANGHAI, China — Sergio Garcia won the rain-delayed HSBC Champions to take the No. 2 spot in the world ranking behind Tiger Woods, beating Oliver Wilson with a birdie on the second hole of a playoff today.

The Spanish star made a 7-foot birdie putt on the par-5 18th — the only hole used for the playoff at Sheshan Golf Club — after the Englishman missed a 10-footer.

Garcia won The Players Championship and his home-course Castellon Masters, and also has finished second or tied for second in three events this season.

"I'm just so proud to win, and well, No. 2 in the world," said Garcia, who earned $833,300.

The finish moved Garcia into the No. 2 spot in the world rankings, pushing Phil Mickelson to No. 3.

Mickelson, the 2007 champion, shot a 73 to tie for eighth in the $5 million tournament, five strokes behind the leaders.

Peter Hanson (66) and Geoff Ogilvy (70) finished a stroke off the lead, while Henrik Stenson (71) was three behind.