Xander Schauffele wins WGC-HSBC Champions

Xander Schauffele clinched the WGC-HSBC Champions in China with a playoff victory over compatriot Tony Finau.

Schauffele, 25, joined Finau on 14-under par following a solid 68 and then sealed his third victory as a professional with a birdie at the first playoff hole, the par-5 18th.

Defending champion Justin Rose was right in it throughout the day but had to settle for a 72 after a bogey on the last to finish four shots out of the play-off at 10-under. 

Schauffele's victory comes in just his 14th European Tour event and moves the Affiliate Member up to fourth in the Race to Dubai Rankings presented by Rolex after top ten finishes at the US Open and Open Championship.

"I felt like I was playing great all day," he said. "We kept our heads down. Even when I was signing my card I was like, 'oh, wow, I actually went birdie-birdie to get in the play-off'. I was just in my own world out there.

"It means a lot, it was my birthday this week. To have my family out here, especially with the win, it's really special."