McIlroy nails first season victory

SYDNEY—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 tourney’s dramatic climax on the final hole.

Scott’s approach shot went over the back of the green and his resultant 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 and end his long wait for a trophy.

“I wanted to get a win and finally I’ve been able to get one,” McIlroy said. “But more satisfying than that is being able to take one of the best players in the world down the stretch and come out on top.”

Scott was trying to be only the second player after compatriot Robert Allenby in 2005 to win Australia’s triple crown by claiming the Australian Open, Masters and PGA titles in the same season.

He carried his form from the Masters and PGA tournaments into the Open, shattering the course record with a 10-under par 62 in his opening round.

McIlroy finished with an 18-under par tally of 270, a shot ahead of Scott who was a further six shots ahead of Australian John Senden at 11 under.  AP