Sjoland wins by a shot

Welshman Ian Woosnam failed by one-shot to edge out Sweden Patrik Sjoland and win the Hong Kong Open. Sjoland fired a patchy two-over-par 72 but it was good enough to beat Woosnam, who shot a final round one-under-par 69 at the Hong Kong Golf Club.

Sjoland, who had fired himself into contention with a dazzling course record 62 in Saturday's third round, finished on 11 under par for the tournament.

Woosnam had a nightmare start to his round with back to back bogeys, but soon got into the groove and began chipping away at Sjoland's lead.

He notched three birdies but was unable to find the elusive fourth which would have secured him a share of the lead and forced a play-off.

"I was behind by seven shots at one time but it's better to lose by one than to lose by seven," Woosnam said.

"My putting has been poor all year but my putting at the Hong Kong Open is the best in a long time."

Sjoland admitted he had had severe doubts about his ability to maintain his lead, adding that the gusty wind did not help matters.

"I am elated," he said. "With the way I've been putting I wasn't too positive but I gave it everything I had."

American Gary Rusnak was two shots behind Woosnam in third place, with Zimbabwe's Mark McNulty four off the lead on seven under.

Nick Faldo is confident he can recapture the form that made him Britain's most successful golfer, despite the loss of his caddy and confidante of 10 years, Fanny Sunesson. Sunesson, who helped Faldo win three Open Championships and three US Masters, told Faldo she wanted to split over a lunch to celebrate their 10 years together.

Faldo has not lifted a trophy for nearly three years, and played 29 tournaments this year in a vain attempt to break into Europe's Ryder Cup team.