Third time lucky for Casey as he edges out McGinley in China play-off
Casey birdied a 25-foot put on the second hole of the play-off to edge out McGinley after both men had finished the 72 holes level on 22 under par.
But the 27-year-old's victory only came after he had twice failed to kill off the contest. He left a 15-foot putt just short on the 18th and, on the first play-off hole, slipped a 12-foot putt past the left edge of the cup.
On their return to the par-four 18th for the second play-off hole, however, Casey might have won with par as McGinley was 12 feet away in three after finding sand with his drive and his approach.
As it was, the Englishman swept home from the back of the green to claim a win which takes him to 20th of the European Tour Order of Merit, just one place behind McGinley.
"It was nice to be in the final group. I knew Paul was playing very, very well and had finished at 22-under when I was coming down 16. I knew what I had to do. I also like chasing scores and I think I am good at chasing," he said.
It was a welcome breakthrough for Casey, who despite team victories at the Ryder Cup and World Cup last year has a firmly stated goal of more individual triumphs in 2005. The last of his three European Tour victories came at the 2003 Benson & Hedges International Open.
"It is very satisfying to have won again," said Casey, who heads to the Players Championship in the US this week. "I feel like I put in a lot of work in the off-season and it is nice after having a back injury earlier in the year to come out play some decent golf.
"It was great to cap it off the way I did, especially after having a chance on 18. To finish it off on the second play-off hole was very, very nice."
McGinley did well just to get to the play-off after starting the day in 10th place. He matched the course record with a nine-under par final round, including nine birdies, and only just missed out on a 10th at the 18th which would have won him the title.
"It is really disappointing to shoot 63 in the last round and lose. I gave it my best shot, but it wasn't meant to be," he said.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
