Rose edges Li, regains top spot

JUSTIN Rose is the new world No. 1 after overcoming a three-stroke deficit to capture a second straight Turkish Airlines Open with a playoff victory in Belek.

Rose, 38, posted a final round 4-underpar 68 to finish tied after regulation play on 17-under 267 with China’s Li Haotong on the Regnum Caya course.

The players returned to the par-4 18th for a sudden-death playoff and after Rose missed from 15 feet for birdie, 23-yearold Li amazingly three-putted from just nine feet to gift his opponent the title.

Rose spent two weeks as world No. 1 earlier this season after finishing second at the PGA Tour’s BMW Championship, but a poor third round on Saturday appeared to have scuppered his chances of a return to the top of the rankings.

The Englishman’s victory along the Mediterranean shores is the first time in Rose’s now 19 pro career wins around the globe he’s successfully defended a title.

Li, who had led by three shots heading to the last day, struggled in bogeying his closing two holes in regulation in signing for a 71 ahead of his bogey in the playoff.

Spain’s Adrian Otaegui (65) and Thomas Detry (65) of Belgium were tied for third on 269, two shots behind.

Germany’s Martin Kaymer (66) shared fourth with Lucas Bjerregaard (67) of Denmark, a shot further back.