Woods challenge collapses as Singh wins

Vijay Singh broke clear of the field before the turn before cruising to a two-stroke victory over Rocco Mediate at the Arnold Palmer Invitational in Orlando today.

Only one stroke separated the top eight players at one stage early in the final round, before Singh made four birdies in five holes starting at the fifth in demanding conditions at Bay Hill.

The 44-year-old from Fiji was not threatened on the back nine, shooting 67 to finish at eight-under-par 272, his first victory in 15 starts here.

It is Singh’s 31st PGA Tour victory, matching “Lighthorse” Harry Cooper for the most wins on tour by a non-American.

“It means a lot,” said Singh. “This was my first ever tournament in America, and I love this place.

“I hate the 18th hole but I love the rest of it.

“Having won Jack’s tournament (the Memorial) and now Arnie’s, it’s a great honour.”

Tiger Woods, who started the day five shots behind, made an ominous start with birdies at the first two holes, but he had a shocking finish, dropping six shots in the final three holes.

Even though he was out of contention by then, it was still a shock to see the world’s greatest player find the water at the par-three 17th, which he double-bogeyed, and the par-four 18th, where he made triple.

His 43 strokes coming home matched his career worst total for nine holes, his only other 43 coming on the front nine in the second round of the 1996 Tour Championship at Southern Hills in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Woods, a four-time winner at Bay Hill, shot 76 to tie for 22nd at three over.