Westwood falls short but takes delight in his return

Lee Westwood will leave Shanghai brimming with confidence despite the new world No1 missing out on the HSBC Champions by a stroke to Francesco Molinari.

Westwood could only match the Italian's final round of 67 at Sheshan International GC to finish 18-under for the tournament, one back from his rival who clinched his second European Tour title.

Despite just falling short, Westwood was nevertheless extremely heartened by a fabulous performance coming after an extended lay-off due to calf and ankle injuries he is yet to fully overcome.

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"I hit a lot of good shots and a couple of poor ones today," said the 37-year-old.

"I also had a bit of bad luck. It was one of those things. I mean, 18-under and nine shots clear of third is never too bad."

There was little to choose between both players throughout the four days, with the 16th hole of the final round ultimately proving pivotal to the final outcome.

Westwood let rip with a three-wood at the short par-four but landed in a tricky spot just short of the green. Molinari found the rough with an iron but hit a great second shot to around 10 feet.

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Under huge pressure, Westwood faced an extremely awkward chip but his attempt just cleared the bunker in front of him, coming to rest in the rough near the edge of the green. He recovered to make par but Molinari sank his fifth birdie of the day to establish a crucial two-stroke advantage.

The pair both parred the penultimate hole and Molinari decided to play it safe on the par-five 18th by laying up. Effectively needing an eagle to force a play-off and with nothing to lose, Westwood reached the green in two but was aghast to see his ball come to rest on top of a ridge instead of rolling back towards the hole.

The Italian stroked a long birdie attempt up to the hole and Westwood was unable to find the cup with his eagle putt, allowing Molinari to tap in and claim the WGC crown.

Luke Donald and Richie Ramsay shared third, a distant 10 shots back from the winner on nine under par.

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Tiger Woods climbed into a share of sixth with Paul Casey, Ernie Els, Richard Green, Retief Goosen, Peter Hanson and Fredrik Andersson Hed on seven under following a 68 that saw the former world No1 card seven birdies, but more importantly, three bogeys.