Mickelson wins by one

Phil Mickelson fired a final round 69 to edge out Ernie Els by a shot in the World Golf Championships-HSBC Champions in Shanghai.

The victory was the world number two's second HSBC Champions title in three years and a second WGC title of his career, following March's CA Championship success.

But 'Lefty' had to survive a nervy final hole at Sheshan International, finding the rough twice on the par five before winning with a par.

He could not afford to drop a shot over the closing hole with Els in the clubhouse following a nine-under-par 63, the third course record of the day.

Els will be left to rue his only bogey of the day at the 18th after hitting his approach into the water at the front of the green.

Ryan Moore carded a final round 68 to finish two shots off the pace in third, with Rory McIlroy boosting his Race to Dubai bid after a brilliant 63 earned him a fourth place finish on 14-under-par.

American Nick Watney's final round 71 ensured fifth ahead of another Race to Dubai contender, German Martin Kaymer (67).

Tiger Woods, who started the day two shots behind playing partner Mickelson, struggled to a level par 72 which left the world number one five shots adrift and tied for sixth with Kaymer.

Mickelson said: "It feels terrific to have won this tournament. This has been a very special event to have a World Golf Championships here in China, and to be the champion feels great.

"This is my last event of the year. I won't play again until the end of January, and so to finish the year with this victory feels wonderful.

"Ernie played one of the greatest rounds, shot a course record, along with Rory and I was very fortunate to come out on top. This feels terrific, because I had to fight very hard.

"Nothing came easy. I didn't hit it great. The putts weren't falling, and yet, I hung in there, too, and was able to win by one."