Golf: 'Desperation' ends Campbell's Goosen hunt

Michael Campbell

Michael Campbell says his desperate attempt to reel in South African Retief Goosen in the final round of the China Masters golf tournament in Sanya yesterday took a disastrous turn before he reverted to his usual game.

The 2005 US Open champion finished second, three strokes behind the South African, who had started the day six shots in front of the New Zealander.

Campbell shot a final round four under 68 for a 270 total - 18 under - and Goosen a 71 for 267.

Both finished in the same order as they did last year.

Campbell later conceded that his desperation to catch Goosen backfired early.

"I think I just pushed too hard too soon. I wanted to make some birdies and went in there too hard and it cost me a couple of bogeys," he said.

"I was two over after four holes and it was hard to come back from that."

He battled gamely with six birdies on the inward nine but a par on the easy 16th, where he dumped his three- wood approach into water, ended any hopes of a late charge.

"I tried the impossible shot really on the 16th. It was a one in a hundred shot and it didn't come off. It could have been eagle or even birdie to make it closer. I'll be back next year."

For Goosen, the world No 7, it was his 26th career victory. "It's a great feeling to defend a title. It's the first time I've won a professional title back to back. It will be great coming back next year to give myself a chance of making it a hat-trick."

- NZPA