GOLF: Defending champion Ernie Els held on in a gripping finish to win the Heineken Classic in Melbourne by one stroke yesterday and complete his third tournament victory from four starts this year and the fourth in his last five outings.
The South African world number two carded rounds of 70 72 66 and 65 for a four-round total of 15-under-par 273.
Overnight leader and six-times major winner Nick Faldo tied for second with Australia's Peter Lonard on 14-under-par 274.
Lonard, who had a 68, missed a three-yard putt for par on the par-four 18th hole that would have forced a play-off with Els. The rejuvenated Faldo (45), seeking his first tournament win since 1997, carded a final round of 69.
The Heineken Classic, at the Royal Melbourne Golf Club, is co-sanctioned by the European and Australasian Tours.
Five players, Britons Stephen Gallacher, Gary Evans, David Lynn and Paul Casey, and Denmark's Soren Kjeldsen, tied for fourth place, three shots behind Els on 12-under-par 276.
"I think what I said on Friday was hopefully I would get something going," Els told reporters. "That's what happened. I got something going. It just happened quite extraordinarily.
"Then I got a little bit fortunate with Peter bogeying 18. I did not think it was possible at one time and I played a very good weekend."
Faldo described the day as part of a learning curve and said it was a nice feeling just to be a contender late in the final round.
"I made a couple of poor swings under pressure. That's what it's all about, to compete," Faldo told reporters. "I sensed Ernie was the man. I hung in there and did the best I could."
Faldo said Els would be a formidable opponent this year for American world number one Tiger Woods, who is still recovering from a knee injury.
"I am sure this will be boosting his confidence. Tiger in theory will be rusty, or limping, and Ernie is going to be hot," Faldo said.
Els, the British Open champion and two-time US Open winner, said he was trying to focus on his own goals rather than a confrontation with Woods.
"It will come to a head sooner or later. You guys are probably going to write it up quite a bit now," he said. "I am going to stick with my guns. I am doing what I am doing. Hopefully with this form I will have a good chance against any field."
Faldo is also full of hope for the new year after overcoming some personal issues that he said had complicated his golf game. Faldo married Valerie, his third wife, two years ago. Valerie is expecting his fourth child and the three-times British Open and US Masters winner is happy and content.
"Ten years ago I did not have to deal with as many of the emotions and what have you," Faldo said. "It was just playing golf. Now it's testing me, put it that way. I'm pleased that I am fathoming it all out again."
n Tim Herron fired eight birdies in a 12-hole span to seize a four-stroke lead after the fourth round of the 90-hole, four-course PGA Bob Hope Classic in California on Saturday.
The American, who could win two weeks shy of his 33rd birthday, began the round sharing the lead with Trinidad's Stephen Ames but followed a career-best 61 on Friday at PGA West with a 65 Saturday at Indian Wells Country Club.
That left "Lumpy", so nicknamed for his less-than-statuesque physique, at 29-under-par 259 after 72 holes, matching the four-round record set by Joe Durant on his way to the 2001 title.
American Jay Haas and Canadian southpaw Mike Weir share second and Americans David Gossett and Chris DiMarco fourth at 265. Ames struggled to a one-over par 71 to join Chad Campebll sharing sixth on 266.
Herron has won three PGA titles, most recently in 1999 at Bay Hill. The cut, at 13-under par 275, equaled a US PGA Tour record low cut score.
