Stenson wins British Open; breaks Tiger's record

One minute they were slugging it out in one of golf's fiercest battles, the next minute Henrik Stenson stood over Phil Mickelson in triumph with the Claret Jug won.

The 40-year-old Swede launched a late charge to beat the American by three shots to become the first Scandinavian man to win a major in the 145th British Open at Royal Troon Sunday.

Stenson, the world No. 6, broke the deadlock of an absorbing afternoon by sinking long birdie putts at the 14th and 15th and added two more in the final three holes to card a major record-equaling 63.

His final score of 20under broke Tiger Woods's British Open scoring record of 19-under, set in 2000, and equals Jason Day's all-time major record set at the 2015 U.S. PGA.

The 46-year-old Mickelson, who narrowly missed a 62 on the opening day, shot a six-under 65 but still fell short in his bid for a sixth major title in the face of Stenson's late onslaught.

The pair put on a sublime masterclass of skill and nerve despite the testing, breezy con- ditions in a showdown which will arguably eclipse the famous "Duel in the Sun" Open when Tom Watson beat Jack Nicklaus in an epic battle at Turnberry in 1977.

The standard of golf effectively split the British Open into two separate events, with the nearest chaser, JB Holmes of America, finishing at six under.