Rory McIlroy wins Australian Open

Rory McIlroy, left, of Northern Ireland watches his tee shot during his third round of the Australian Open Golf Tournament in Sydney, Australia, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2013. AP

SYDNEY, Australia—Rory McIlroy birdied the 18th hole to snatch victory from Adam Scott at the Australian Open on Sunday, winning for the first time in 2013 and denying Scott the rare Australian triple crown.

McIlroy started the last round four shots behind Scott but drew level when he eagled the seventh and birdied the eighth.

Scott went a shot ahead with a birdie at the ninth then the pair went shot for shot over the back nine before the tournament’s dramatic climax on the final hole.

Scott’s approach shot went over the back of the green and his chip went well past the hole, with two putts bringing a bogey. McIlroy hit his approach to 10 feet and sank the putt to claim victory by a shot.

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