Orion’s Golf Ambassador in HSBC playoff

Mon 10 Nov 2008

Orion’s Golf Ambassador in HSBC playoff

SHANGHAI (Reuters) - Oliver Wilson beat some of the best in the world to finish second at the $5 million (3.2 million pounds) HSBC Champions today, but being runner up for the eighth time in his career left him simply frustrated.

Oliver’s impressive Ryder Cup debut this year has given him the confidence to take on top 10 players like Phil Mickelson and losing out in a playoff to the now world number two Sergio Garcia was a huge disappointment.

"It's just getting to a stage where second is not good enough anymore," he said. "There was a time when I was pleased to be finishing there, and it's gone, and it's about time I took my chance.

"It's going to happen, but I'm making it hard on myself. It will be worth it when I finally get one. It's not going to be easy. It's not going to be given to me."

Wilson had led by a stroke at the end of third round, and going into his final 16 holes this morning at the rain-hit event.

A couple of fine putts at the 14th and 16th kept Wilson at the top of the leaderboard before Garcia caught him with a birdie at the 18th and the Spaniard went on to clinch the title at the second extra hole.

Garcia, his team mate at Valhalla, said he thought the Englishman's first tour title was not far away.

"He's going to win soon," said the Spaniard. "He's playing too good not to win. He'll be fine."