Augusta (Georgia): South African Trevor Immelman won the 72nd Masters to capture the first major title of his career and deny Tiger Woods a chance at a 2008 Grand Slam.

Immelman, 28, yesterday became just the second South African to win the coveted Green Jacket, after three-time champion and boyhood hero Gary Player.

Showing poise as the pressure built on the wind-whipped Augusta National course, Immelman became the first wire-to-wire winner since Raymond Floyd in 1976.

His three-over 75 gave him an eight-under total of 280 and a three-shot victory over world No.1 Woods, the overwhelming pre-tournament favorite who carded an even-par 72 for 283.

"I still can't believe I'm sitting in this position," Immelman said. "I had to go out there and just be tough. I'm proud of myself for doing that."

Immelman admitted that winning a major with Woods in the field felt especially sweet.

"To win a major while he's playing, and he's told us that he's playing at his peak, it's a hell of an achievement," Immelman said.

It was also an achievement given Immelman's recent health concerns, including invasive surgery to remove a non-cancerous tumor from his diaphragm in December.

Meanwhile Woods, playing two groups in front of the leaders, bogeyed the 10th to fall six adrift, exactly where he started the day.

The world No 1 drained a monster birdie putt at the 11th, raising a roar and the prospect of a back-nine charge. But another missed chance at 13 and a bogey at 14 made his closing birdie good only for sole possession of second place.

"I hit the ball well enough to contend. I hit the ball well enough to put some pressure on Trevor. I just didn't make any putts," Woods said.

The 32-year-old American had arrived at Augusta supremely confident, reiterating his belief that an unprecedented sweep of all four major championships - the Masters, US and British Opens and PGA Championship, was possible for him this year.

Brandt Snedeker, who started the day two shots behind Immelman and briefly seized a share of the lead with an eagle at the second hole, emerged from his rollercoaster of a round with a 77 for 284, tied for third with fellow American Stewart Cink who shot 72.

Snedeker whose round included nine bogeys and two birdies as well as his eagle, called Immelman's performance "Phenomenal."

"I don't think I've ever seen anybody drive the ball as well as that anywhere. When he got in trouble, he got right out of it. He made a little hiccup on 16, but you're going to do that when you're trying to win your first major."

Source : PTI