Europe's new number one Lee Westwood revealed just how nervous he was at the final round of the American Express World Championship yesterday. "If you watch the highlights I think you'll see my knees shaking and shirt flapping on the 18th green over those two putts. That's about as nervous as I've been," laughed the Englishman after the event. "When I haven't won I've been highly placed and this is the consistency of the whole year coming to a pinnacle. And now I can call myself European number one for a whole year!" he added, cleary overcome by his achievement.
Westwood also paid tribute to his predecessor, Colin Montgomerie: "Monty's had a good, long reign and when it's that hard to win one it makes you appreciate how good seven in a row is. I don't think it will ever be done again." Westwood overtook Darren Clarke on top of the Volvo Order of Merit with a magnificent round of 67 yesterday which left him in second place behind tournament winner Mike Weir of Canada. Clarke finished down in the field in 17th spot and needed Westwood to finish outside the top six in order to be crowned Europe's number one. However, it wasn't to be and Clarke had nothing but praise for his old friend. "Over the year I haven't been able to convert my chances into wins enough. Ultimately, that's what Lee does and that's why I think he's deserved to finish number one. He takes his chances more often than not," he said.
Filed by Amanda Fennelly
