Els wins World Golf Championships

KILKENNY, Ireland, Oct. 3 (UPI) -- Ernie Els held on Sunday to win the World Golf Championships as he overcame a late rally by runner-up Thomas Bjorn.

Els had a closing 3-under 69 for an 18-under 270 while Bjorn shot a 68-271.

It was Els' third PGA Tour win of 2004, and elevated him past Tiger Woods for the No. 2 spot in the world rankings behind Vijay Singh.

"It's been a good summer but a tough summer, and this really caps it off for me," said Els, who earned $1.2 million with the victory. "I think I had more pressure than anyone in the field. If I look back now, I think Thomas wasn't supposed to win."

Els picked up his third PGA Tour win this season and his 15th all time. On the European Tour, this was his second win in 2004 and the 17th of his career.