Final WGC-HSBC Champions leaderboard

WGC-HSBC Champions leaderboard:

What happened at the WGC-HSBC Champions

Well, what a finish at Sheshan International. Tony Finau had led by three going into the final round thanks to a birdie-birdie-birdie finish on Saturday. But at the 72nd hole he was level with playing partner Xander Schauffele and the pair were two clear of the third player of their group, defending champion Justin Rose.

Finau and Schauffele left themselves eagle putts at the par-5 finishing hole, only for Rose’s approach to knock Schauffele’s ball into the water. The crowd fell silent. They did not have the advantage of a commentator like the rest of the watching world. Schauffele’s ball, we were told, would of course be replaced.

While Rose got up and down from the edge of the drink for a 6 to finish at 10-under, the American pair both two-putted to force extra holes.

So they returned to the 18th tee, from which Finau found the sand and was forced to lay up. It proved to be the shot that handed the title to his opponent as Schauffele tapped in for birdie which proved enough.

Rose’s third-place is significant for two reasons: Firstly, it means Tiger Woods remains the only player to ever defend a WGC event. And secondly, Brooks Koepka will stay at World No. 1, with Rose moving above Dustin Johnson into second.

Click here for the full round-up from the WGC-HSBC Champions, including highlights and the main talking point of the week.