SURREY, England, Oct. 17 (UPI) -- Ernie Els celebrated his 35th birthday with a birdie on the 35th hole Sunday, giving him his sixth title at the World Match Play Championship.
Els defeated Lee Westwood, 2 & 1, and captured the event for the third consecutive year. The six overall triumphs is a tournament record, besting Gary Player and Seve Ballesteros by one.
"It's a great feeling," Els said at the victory ceremony. "I see Seve over there and I was lucky enough to beat him on this green in 1994 and that was the best victory of my career.
"There are some great champions here and to win the title six times is a great feeling."
Westwood was in the final for the second time. He won the championship four years ago over Colin Montgomerie.
The match was all square after the morning 18 and Els took the lead for good with a birdie at the 21st.
