Matsuyama continues hot form in Phoenix
GOLF: Japanese star Hideki Matsuyama has become the first back-to-back winner of the Phoenix Open in 42 years while continuing his hot run of form.
The 24-year-old secured his fifth win from nine starts and fourth overall on the PGA Tour when beating American Webb Simpson in a playoff at Scottsdale.
Matsuyama sank a 10-foot birdie putt on the fourth playoff hole to clinch the title, which should see him rise from fifth to fourth in the world rankings.
"It was a struggle, especially that playoff, but I am really happy to win," Matsuyama, 24, told CBS Sports via an interpreter.
"I just had faith and belief that there was going to be a chance to win it and luckily I made it."
Matsuyama and Simpson had finished the 72 regulation holes on 17-under 267.
A year earlier Matsuyama edged another American Rickie Fowler at the same hole.
Johnny Miller was the last man to retain his crown in 1974-75.
