A perfect start for Westwood

World number six Lee Westwood cruised to a five-shot victory in the Dimension Data Pro-Am in Sun City yesterday

World number six Lee Westwood cruised to a five-shot victory in the Dimension Data Pro-Am in Sun City yesterday. The 26-year-old Englishman carded a two-under-par 70 to secure his first victory on South African soil in only his second tournament of the year.

American Tom Gillis filled the distant runners-up spot after a 72. South African David Frost fired a best-of-the-day 67 to share third place with Italian Emanuel Canonica, a shot behind Gillis.

Westwood started the day two shots clear of Gillis and was never challenged on his way to a fourth successive sub-par round. "This is the earliest I've ever won in a year and my game's a lot better than I thought it would be after a long break over Christmas," Westwood said.

Westwood enjoyed a double celebration by winning the pro-am with his father John.

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After promising starts, the three Irishmen in the field all collapsed over the weekend. Darren Clarke finished 78 75 to be six over par, James Loughnane added 76 80 for nine over, while Paddy Gribben was one shot worse after closing with the same figures.