Jimenez proves age is just a number

Defending champion Miguel Angel Jimenez won the Hong Kong Open in a three-way play-off yesterday, clinching the title for a record-equalling fourth time.

The 49-year-old Spaniard birdied the first extra hole to defeat Thailand's Prom Meesawat and Stuart Manley of Wales and collect a winner's cheque of $216660.

Jimenez raised his arm to the air as a five-metre putt dropped into the hole on the 18th green - much to the delight of an adoring crowd in the southern Chinese city.

With this victory the popular Jimenez matched Taiwanese Hsieh Yung-yo's four wins at Fanling in the 1960s and 1970s and broke the record he set last year as the oldest European Tour winner.

"It's very nice to win a fourth title and for two years in a row," a delighted Jimenez said. "It's a very sweet victory."

Jimenez played the extra hole perfectly, hitting his tee shot past his opponent's into prime position on the fairway.

"In the play-off I knew I needed to make something," he said afterwards, enjoying his trademark cigar and glass of red wine.

"I thought I needed to make a birdie. I hit a beautiful drive down the fairway then hit a wedge. To win that way is even more sweet."

Jimenez and Prom appeared to be set for a head-to-head in the play-off until Manley dramatically chipped in at the last for birdie and the three headed back down the 18th.

There, Manley hit a wayward iron which struck the roof of the hospitality tent, while Prom came up short of the green. Both were heading for fours when Jimenez rolled his putt in.