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Matsuyama beats the best at Hero World Challenge

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS - DECEMBER 04: Hideki Matsuyama (R) of Japan poses with the trophy and host Tiger Woods after winning the Hero World Challenge at Albany, The Bahamas on December 4, 2016 in Nassau, Bahamas. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
  • Post published:December 5, 2016

Hideki Matsuyama outclassed a field that included 16 of the world’s top 25 players at the Hero World Challenge this week, where he went 18 under par.

The Japanese superstar took a seven-stroke advantage into the final round after he shot 65 on Saturday at Albany in the Bahamas.

He shot 73 in the final round, his first time not breaking par in 18 rounds, but his lead was too big for runner up Henrik Stenson to overcome.

Matsuyama has won four times in his last five starts worldwide, including the Japan Open, the WGC-HSBC Champions, and now the Hero World Challenge.

‘I can’t say that I played well today, but I did win Tiger’s tournament,’ said the 24 year old. ‘And what a great honour that is.’

‘It’s tough with a seven-stroke lead,’ he added. ‘But somehow I was able to pull it off. Hopefully, this experience will help me in the future.’

Louis Oosthuizen played his way to sole ninth with a Sunday round of 72, but created the result with two rounds of 67 heading into the weekend. He finished the week at nine under par.

Tiger Woods made his return to the professional scene this week and led the field in birdies for the week, but also took six double bogeys due to a rusty game.

‘It feels good to be back out here playing again, competing and trying to beat the best players in the world,’ said the 41 year old. ‘I missed it. I love it.’