Luke Donald claims the cup at WGC Accenture Match Play Championships
England’s Luke Donald recorded one of his biggest victories, as he defeated Germany’s Martin Kaymer 3 and 2 in the final of the WGC Accenture Match Play on Sunday. This was Donald’s third Professional Golfer’s Association win, but his first in a high profile
Championship. He also managed to clench the world number three ranking in professional golf with his brilliant win.
Kaymer, who overtook Lee Westwood after he defeated Bubba Watson in the semi-final, had to work hard to keep up with Donald’s impressive display of accuracy and skill. Cold and windy conditions prevailed when Donald was leading the match against Kaymer by
three holes in the first five. The match had to be stopped due to a hailstorm and overall bad weather forecast, as it had also snowed in the night.
Match was equally poised as both struggled for the holes untill Donald hit a 18 foot birdy for the second and had already hit almost three feet from the flag on the fourth. Kaymer shot into the wilderness and had to suffer a penalty drop.
Kaymer, who has been the favourite since the beginning of the Championship, has played steady par golf all along. He defeated the long hitting Americans Hunter Mahan and Bubba Watson exhibiting excellent control and balance. He now retains the world number
one title while Donald is now ranked world number three behind Lee Westwood.
Donald, defeating the young Italian Matteo Manassero was recorded as saying, “I worked hard in the off season and it's nice to see it paying off." It would also be his first win in five years over American soil. Being the winner, Donald will not only be
laying his hands on the coveted trophy, but will also bag a staggering £864,838 for the winner as compared to Kaymer’s £525,080 for the runner-up position.
A jubilant Donald was talking to reporters and said, "Hopefully it will open the gates. I'm not a modern-day player because I don't hit it that far and that makes it harder for me, but this is great win and I hope there are more to come. This is a win for
a lot of people and means a lot. It's also a good (first) birthday present for my little daughter."
It will be interesting to see how Donald carries is winning momentum forward in the next tournament he enters.
Tags: