Mediate upbeat despite missing maiden major

Rocco Mediate left Torrey Pines with his head held high after his valiant US Open play-off defeat to Tiger Woods at Torrey Pines.

Mediate, 45, was bidding to become the oldest first-time winner of a major championship and twice had victory within his grasp, only for Woods to birdie the 72nd hole in regulation yesterday to force an 18-hole play-off and then repeat the feat today at 18 to send their duel into sudden death.