Garcia overtakes Mickelson in world rankings

Sergio Garcia’s play-off victory over Oliver Wilson at the HSBC Champions event in Shanghai today has made him the first European to hold the world number two spot since Colin Montgomerie 12 years ago.

Garcia relegated Phil Mickelson to third in the rankings after making birdie on the final green to tie with Wilson and then repeating it on the second extra hole.

Wilson suffered his fifth runners-up finish of 2008 and eighth in all.

He has yet to win, but by climbing to 42nd in the world the English golfer is back on course for a Masters debut at Augusta next April.

Ireland's Padraig Harrington remains in fifth.

At the end of the year the game’s top 50 all earn exemptions into the first Major of next season.