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New world No. 7 McDowell senses Woods renaissance

Graeme McDowell is up to No. 7 in the world rankings © Getty Images

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Graeme McDowell returned to the world top ten with his dramatic play-off victory over Tiger Woods at the Chevron World Challenge, but he instantly backed the American to rediscover his best form in 2011.

McDowell battled back from a four-stroke deficit on the final day in California, sinking a 20-foot putt at the 18th to force the extra hole. He then produced an even longer putt to clinch victory, denying Woods his first piece of silverware in 2010.

For McDowell, the drama at the Sherwood Country Club only added to the best year of his career, having won his first major at the US Open before playing a decisive role in Europe's Ryder Cup triumph at Celtic Manor. Sunday's comeback makes the Northern Irishman $1 million richer, and he commented: "Two amazing putts finally did the business for me today; this year just gets better and better."

McDowell will have been well aware of Woods' fine performance over the past four days though, with the former world No. 1 leading the field until he capitulated in the final round. Woods insisted he was "proud" despite finishing second, and McDowell is convinced the 14-time major winner is finally getting a grip on his game after months of problems in his personal life.

"He used to appear invincible," commented McDowell. "Of course he has made himself appear more human in the last 12 months, but there's something a bit special about his golf game and I fully expect that mystique to return.

"I'm definitely a guy who says that golf needs Tiger Woods and we need him back to winning tournaments. I thought he controlled his ball really well the last couple of days - he didn't do a huge lot wrong."

McDowell's rise up to seventh in the world rankings sees compatriot Rory McIlroy drop out of the top ten.

World Rankings: 1. Lee Westwood (Eng), 2. Tiger Woods (USA), 3. Martin Kaymer (Ger) 4. Phil Mickelson (USA), 5. Jim Furyk (USA), 6. Steve Stricker (USA), 7. Graeme McDowell (NI), 8. Paul Casey (Eng), 9. Luke Donald (Eng), 10. Ian Poulter (Eng), 11. Rory McIlroy (NI), 12. Ernie Els (RSA), 13. Matt Kuchar (USA), 14. Dustin Johnson (USA), 15. Francesco Molinari (Ita), 16. Robert Karlsson (Swe), 17. Retief Goosen (RSA), 18. Hunter Mahan (USA), 19. Edoardo Molinari (Ita), 20. Zach Johnson (USA)

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