• BMW Masters, Round Four

Hanson denies McIlroy Shanghai title

Peter Hanson sealed his sixth European Tour title © Getty Images

Enlarge

Leaderboard

Sweden's Peter Hanson denied Rory McIlroy another title in 2012 by triumphing at the BMW Masters in Shanghai.

Both players hit final-round 67s, with Hanson finishing 21-under and McIlroy just one shot behind. Luke Donald was third at 17-under.

Hanson was four clear at one point and seemingly sailing to victory, only for McIlroy to come steaming back: he eagled 15 and birdied 16 as the pressure ramped up on Hanson.

The world No. 25 then found himself plugged in a bunker on 18, but watched on as McIlroy missed a birdie putt, allowing Hanson to stutter home with a bogey and still win.

"It was a little bit tense," said Hanson. "Rory made a tremendous effort with his eagle on 15 and birdie on 16, so it put quite a bit of pressure on me. I was trying to play it a little bit safe but against the world No. 1 you still have to hit the shots.

"I've been hitting it nice and especially the putter has been feeling great. Rory gave me a bit of a cushion early today - he missed a few short putts over the first few holes - and in the end that was all I needed.

"My putting has really improved, especially over the last year, and I think that's the main reason I'm standing here with this beautiful trophy."

McIlroy said: "I'm a little disappointed. I'm very happy with the way I played, but I missed a few opportunities on the front nine, I missed four or five short putts in a row.

"I wanted to try to make him work for it. It would have been nice to hole that putt on the last, at least to make him think a little bit, but it wasn't to be and he played well.

"He deserved it. To go out with the lead and play the way he did and shoot 67 is very impressive. He was going to be very tough to beat today."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.