Lowry seals Akron win

GOLF: Irishman holds off major champions to claim two-shot victory at Firestone

Ireland’s Shane Lowry survived a real test of his nerve as he held off three major champions to secure the biggest victory of his career in the WGCBridgestone Invitational at Akron, Ohio, yesterday.

Lowry began the final round at Firestone Country Club two shots off the lead shared by former US Open champions Justin Rose and Jim Furyk, but wiped out the deficit with birdies on the second and eighth.

And when the 28-year-old produced a spectacular recovery following a wayward tee shot on the 10th, the resulting birdie gave him a two-shot lead over the faltering chasing pack on 10 under par.

Double Masters champion Bubba Watson set the clubhouse target with a final round of 66 to finish at nine under.

The American recorded his fourth birdie in six holes on the 13th, handed that shot back at the par three 15th but then birdied the 17th to leave the Irishman one ahead with two to play.

He showed his character on the 17th green, holing from seven feet after his approach had run through.

Lowry then drove behind trees on the last hole but produced a remarkable recovery shot to find the green and sealed his win with a birdie for a 66.

Furyk and playing partner Rose finished four behind the winner after closing with 72s.

Jordan Spieth had set the early clubhouse target on four under after a final round of 66, but that was never going to be enough for the victory which would have seen him replace Rory McIlroy as world No 1.

However, the 22-year-old Masters and US Open champion was relishing playing alongside McIlroy in the first two rounds of the US PGA Championship at Whistling Straits this week, with McIlroy returning from injury in time to defend his title.

“It’s going to be great,” Spieth told Sky Sports 4.

“I’m very, very happy that he is back, everybody is. He certainly takes the interest in the game to a different level.

“It will be cool to battle it out with him, hopefully for the No 1 spot if it comes down to Sunday.

“I am certainly ready to be in that position and hopefully we can do so.”

Scottish Open champion Rickie Fowleralsofinishedfourunderwitha67.

Scotland’s MarcWarren closed with a 70 to finish the tournament at level par.

English quartet Paul Casey, Lee Westwood, Ian Poulter and Danny Willett finished together at one under.

Casey shot a 67, Westwood a 68, Willett a 69 and Poulter a 74.

Northern Irishman Graeme McDowell joined the group with a 73.

Picture: Getty. Shane Lowry enjoyed victory in Akron.