Westwood to take over from Woods as world No 1

Sun, Oct 31 10 09:56 PM

Briton Lee Westwood is to take over as world number one when the new rankings are published on Monday after Ryder Cup team mate Martin Kaymer finished down the field at the Andalucia Masters.

Westwood ended Tiger Woods's unprecedented 281-week reign at the top of the rankings after German Kaymer finished with a closing 75 for a seven-over-par tally of 291 at Valderrama on Sunday.

Kaymer, who needed to finish in the top two here to become world number one, was always up against it after opening his campaign with rounds of 72, 74 and 70.

Westwood did not play in Andalucia because he was at home resting his injured calf.

"Of course I'm disappointed," Kaymer told reporters. "I thought if I had a fast weekend I could still play a role but I missed too many putts.

"You have to accept it isn't your week. I don't think trying to get to number one played any part.

"It was in the back of my mind but I didn't play differently, any more aggressively or defensively. I liked the challenge (of trying to get to number one) and I think I'll have another chance in the next few weeks," added Kaymer.

"Lee deserves it, he's one of the greatest guys on the European Tour. I played with him in the Ryder Cup (this month) and he showed me around. I'm very happy for him."

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