Nearly man Wilson frustrated
Eurosport - Mon, 10 Nov 13:38:00 2008
Oliver Wilson beat some of the best in the world to finish second at the $5 million HSBC Champions in Shanghai but being runner up for the eighth time in his career left him simply frustrated.
The 28-year-old Briton's impressive Ryder Cup debut this year has given him the confidence to take on top 10 players like Phil Mickelson and losing out in a play-off to the now world number two Sergio Garcia was a huge disappointment.
"It's just getting to a stage where second is not good enough anymore," he said.
"There was a time when I was pleased to be finishing there, and it's gone, and it's about time I took my chance.
"It's going to happen, but I'm making it hard on myself. It will be worth it when I finally get one. It's not going to be easy. It's not going to be given to me."
Wilson had led by a stroke at the end of third round, and going into his final 16 holes at the rain-hit event.
A couple of fine putts at the 14th and 16th kept Wilson at the top of the leaderboard before Garcia caught him with a birdie at the 18th and the Spaniard went on to clinch the title at the second extra hole.
"Fair play," said Wilson. "When you're playing against quality players like this week, you're not going to be able to just coast on in. You're going to have to win it and go and do it.
"I just haven't done that yet, but the more practise I get, the closer I'll get."
The good news for Wilson is the $555,550 cheque, the move into the world top 50 and an excellent start to the European Tour's lucrative 2009 season, dubbed the 'Race to Dubai'.
"Normally I go traipsing all over the world to the good events, but it's hard," he said. "It's a lot of travel at the end of the season. But to come here and make it really worth my while, it's a great start to the season. I think that should hopefully secure my Masters spot."
Garcia, his team mate at Valhalla, said he thought the Englishman's first tour title was not far away.
"He's going to win soon," said the Spaniard. "He's playing too good not to win. He'll be fine."
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Comment 1 - 1 of 1
Man, if anyone should understand what it means to finish second it is Sergio Garcia. Put him in the lead of any major on the final day and he will blow it. Some people simply handle pressure better than others. However, both Oliver and Sergio have more than enough time to correct their second place woes. I hope that Sergio wins a major soon, because he really deserves it. And as for Oliver Wilson, victory is both impending and inevitable.
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