Newz Forum: GOLF: Appleby battles back to defend title

Stuart Appleby came from four shots behind to successfully defend his title at the Mercedes Championship in Hawaii.

The Australian - who was tied for 29th place in the 31-man tournament after the first round - produced an admirable comeback, timing his run to perfection to beat Jonathan Kaye by one shot in the winners-only event.

He shot a closing 67 in difficult conditions to finish on 21 under par at 271 on the Kapalua Plantation course.

Kaye had a chance to tie at the last, but missed his long birdie chance after a poor pitch.

He shot a 71 to finish on 20 under, while Tiger Woods (68) and Ernie Els (71) tied for third, two shots behind.

Third-round leader Vijay Singh stumbled with a 74 to tie for fifth - three shots off the pace.

His bogey at the fourth hole ended a run of 57 consecutive holes without a dropped shot, but it was a triple-bogey at the 12th, where he pulled his drive into the punishing long grass, that ended his effort.

Appleby, 33, collected £565,000 for his sixth PGA Tour victory, boosting his already high spirits as he prepares for the birth of his first child, due in the next few days.

Sportinglife