MACAO - World No 2 Lee Westwood continued his love affair with Asia by holing a 12-foot birdie putt to beat Liang Wenchong on the first hole of a playoff for the seven-day, seven-city Shui On Land China Golf Challenge title.

The duo parred the day's two holes at Caesars Golf in Macao to record an 18-hole total of two-under 71, one ahead of Ian Poulter, who birdied the 356-yard, par-four 18th. US Open champion Rory McIlroy, the world No 3, finished six-over at the unique event that featured 5,600 kilometers of flights all over China.

Westwood and Liang replayed the 18th for the playoff and both found the rough with their tee shots. The Chinese No 1 hit his approach long into the spectators at the back of the green and chipped close before Westwood capped off a long week with a lengthy putt, then celebrated with 10-year-old Nathan Han, his caddy for the day.

"I think I do well in Asia because I just adapt well. I adapt to the grasses and I adapt to the culture and the food. Playing world golf is all about adapting," said Westwood, 38, who has twice been world No 1 over the past 12 months.

"I've really enjoyed playing with Liang this week. I know him as I've played with him many times, but this week we've been living in each other's pockets and spending a lot of time together, so you get to learn a bit more. He's got a great sense of humor and likes a practical joke."

China Daily