Mickelson holds off Els to win HSBC Champions

By Nick Mulvenney

SHANGHAI (Reuters) - World number two Phil Mickelson held off a charging Ernie Els to win the WGC-HSBC Champions by a shot on Sunday for his second success in three years at the $7 million tournament.

The American shot a three-under-par 69 in a dramatic fourth round to finish 17-under for the tournament and pick up his second World Golf Championship (WGC) title and a cheque for $1.2 million.

"To finish the year with this win feels wonderful," said Mickelson, who won his first WGC event at the CA-Championship earlier this year.

"Ernie hit one of the great rounds today ... it feels terrific because I had to fight all of the way, none of it was easy."

The final day had been billed as a shootout between the top two in the world but after number one Woods faltered early on, it was Els who threatened to stop Mickelson reclaiming the title he won in 2007.

Els was one of three players to beat the old course record with a round of 63 on Sunday but the South African found the water at the 18th and had to settle for second place on 16-under.

"Today was a wonderful day," said the 40-year-old. "I really had a good time. I knew the pressure was on. I knew the situation.

"I'm disappointed about (the shot at the 18th), but I'm going to really think about the 63 I shot."