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Casey claims HSBC World Match Play glory
18 September 2006
Englishman Paul Casey wrapped up a remarkable debut at this year's HSBC World Match Play Championships, capturing the prestigious title with an emphatic victory over Shaun Micheel of the United States.
The 29-year old became the first debutante to win the Championship since Ernie Els in 1994, as he beat Micheel 10&8 in the final round. The winning margin was the biggest ever at the World Match Play. En route to the title - his third European Tour success of the year - Casey beat Retief Goosen, Mike Weir and Colin Montgomery.
As he claimed the £1m first prize, the 12th seed said: "It's probably the biggest win of my career so far, financially and in terms of the roll of honour and the significance.
"It was very exciting just to be in the event," he added, "Then, as the week went on I was just trying to play, be cool and relaxed and happy with every win I had. None of the matches were easy, even though the scores may not have reflected that, and even going into today I was just happy to be in the final. If I won, it's purely a bonus."
Casey, whose success at Wentworth puts him at on top of the European Tour Order of Merit, now heads to Ireland for the Ryder Cup clash with the US. In Shanghai in November, he aims to complete a unique double by adding the HSBC Champions trophy to his HSBC World Match Play title.
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