Woods wins 13th major by two shots

TULSA, Oklahoma, Aug 13 (Reuters) Tiger Woods survived a few anxious moments on the back nine to clinch his fourth US PGA Championship and 13th major title with a two-shot victory.

Three strokes clear going into the final round, the world number one fired a one-under-par 69 for an eight-under total of 272, finishing ahead of fellow American Woody Austin (67) at Southern Hills Country Club yesterday.

South African Ernie Els birdied four of the first 10 holes on his way to a six-birdie 66 and third place at five under.

Woods, who claimed his 59th PGA Tour title, became only the third player to win at least four PGA Championships. Fellow Americans Jack Nicklaus and Walter Hagen won five apiece.

Overwhelming favourite at the start of another stifling day, Woods briefly stretched his lead to five when he rolled in a curling 30-footer from the fringe at the par-three eighth.

As the ball dropped into the hole, he pumped his fist in celebration.

However, the 31-year-old then bogeyed the uphill ninth to reach the turn in one-under 34 and also faltered at the par-three 14th, where his par putt from five feet lipped out.

At that point, his lead had been trimmed to one with Austin and Els his closest challengers.

WOODS TIMING With typical timing, though, Woods hit back with a birdie at the par-four 15th, calmly rolling in a 12-footer to restore his two-stroke cushion. He safely parred the last three holes to ensure he ended another year with at least one major title.

Woods has never lost a major when holding at least a share of the 54-hole lead.

Britain's Simon Dyson made the most significant move among the early starters, charging up the leaderboard with a sizzling six-under-par 64.

The 29-year-old Englishman birdied four of the first six holes before finishing on level-par 280.

Competing in his seventh major and his first PGA Championship, Dyson signed off in style by rolling in a 20-footer at the last for his seventh birdie of the round.

''Everything just seemed to click today,'' the double European Tour winner told reporters after firing the second lowest score of the week. ''It's one of the best days I've had for a long time.'' Woods tied a major championship record with a spectacular 63 in Friday's second round.

Dyson, who began the final round tied for 44th, soared into a tie for sixth place.

REUTERS KK SBA RAI0452