Golf: Els storms to record-breaking Asian Open victory

SHANGHAI - World golf No 3 Ernie Els fired a flawless seven-under-par 65 to cruise to a 13-stroke victory at the storm-affected Asian Open today.

The South African led from the opening day of the $US1.5 million ($NZ2.07 million) event and completed 72 holes in a tournament-record 26-under 262 at Shanghai's Tomson Golf Club.

His margin of victory was a new Asian Tour record and the second largest in an event sanctioned by the European Tour behind the 15-shot win posted by Tiger Woods at the 2000 US Open.

"I've been around for quite while and experience has helped me having big leads," said Els, who resumed with an eight-stroke lead after completing six holes in fading light yesterday.

"It's not the easiest thing in the world. Your mind can wander but you can't be afraid. It's a good test of character."

Britain's Simon Wakefield finished runner-up on 13-under after a closing 73, with Denmark's Thomas Bjorn a further shot back in third following a 72.

New Zealand's Eddie Lee and Frenchman Jean-Francois Lucquin tied for fourth on 10-under, with Britons Luke Donald and Stuart Little a further stroke back.

Thunderstorms yesterday forced the leading 24 players to complete their final rounds on Monday.

Els' victory was his 21st on the European Tour and 56th international title.

The tournament was jointly sanctioned by the European and Asian tours.

It was also his 10th wire-to-wire victory on the European Tour and gave him his third title of the year following wins in Dubai and Qatar.

Els tied for sixth at last week's Johnnie Walker Classic in Beijing and his form in Shanghai vindicated his decision to make adjustments to his swing after finishing a disappointing 47th at last month's Masters at Augusta National in the United States.

"I'm a little surprised it came so fast," said Els, who earned $US250,000 for the victory.

"But I had a clear vision of what I wanted to do and the changes made it a little easier to focus.

"Obviously the (second round) 62 was the key but you still have to hit the shots when it counts."

- REUTERS