Woods climbs back to the summit

Defending champion Woods, who will leap above Rory McIlroy to the summit for the first time since the end of October 2010, celebrated his third US PGA Tour 
title of the season after shooting 70 in the final round, which was held over after a freak storm hit the Bay Hill course on Sunday.

The American’s challenge was boosted by birdies at all par-five holes as he finished on 13 under par overall and two shots clear of England’s Justin Rose.

It was playing partner Rickie Fowler who went closest to setting up a thrilling climax with three birdies in six holes, but a calamitous triple-bogey eight at the 16th ended his charge and he was one of four players who finished in a tie for third on eight under overall.

Woods has had to recover from being outside the top 50 in the world at one point and acknowledged he has had to work hard to regain his status.

“It was a by-product of hard work, patience and getting back to playing golf tournaments,” he said. “I’ve won some golf tournaments in the last couple of years and consequently I’ve moved up.”

It was also a day to remember for Rose, who will move up to 
No 3 in the world for the first time following his second-place finish at Bay Hill.

The South African-born 32-year-old was the halfway leader although a third-round 72 stunted his challenge and he was never in a position to push Woods yesterday after two bogeys in his first three holes.