HEIDELBERG, Germany, May 20 (UPI) -- Tiger Woods wore down Colin Montgomerie on Monday to successfully defend his title at the Deutsche Bank-SAP Open.
Woods won on the third playoff hole when a visibly weary Montgomerie found water with his second shot out of the bunker.
Montgomerie settled for a double bogey on the hole and Woods sank a short par putt to give him his third win in the tournament in four tries.
Woods, the top-ranked player in the world, entered the final day of the tournament one shot behind Montgomerie before firing a 4-under-par 68 to finish regulation play at 20-under 268.
Montgomerie, just past his prime, was seeking his 27th career title on the European PGA Tour. The 38-year-old Scot, who has battled lingering back problems, was able to keep up with the 26-year-old Woods through 74 holes at St. Leon-Rot Golf Club, but finally faltered when the two golfers played the 18th hole for the fourth time.
Justin Rose shot a 66 to take third place at 267 and fellow Englishman Greg Owen was one shot back after firing a 68.
