WGC-HSBC Champions: Rory Mcllroy Outlasts Xander Schauffele In Play-off To Win Title

Irish golfer and world number two Rory Mcllroy outclassed Xander Schauffele in the playoff to win the WGC-HSBC Champions on Sunday Sheshan International in Shanghai, China.

Defending champion, Schaufele, forced the even into a play-off having birdied the 18th to tie at 19 under but was beaten by the 30-year-old who sank a birdied putt in the first playoff hole.

The American could only make par while the Irishman had birdied the first hole which was just enough for him to clinch the title but he went on to par on the 18th in the final two rounds.

"It's a tough closing stretch even though there are holes you think you should birdie," Mcllroy told Sky Sports. "There are dangers waiting around every corner."

It will be Mcllroy's fourth title of the season and his third in a World Golf Championships event. The win at Sheshan international made it his 27th career title.

Now, he looks forward to participating in the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai and hopes that would be his last event of the year as he plans to take two months break from the sport.

"I think this win gets me to number one in the FedEx Cup," he added. "I'm going to take two months off after I play in Dubai in a couple of week's time."