Tuesday 25 October 2016 14:22, UK
Russell Knox returns to a familiar hunting ground at this week's WGC-HSBC Champions, 12 months on from a career-changing victory in Shanghai.
The Scot hadn't been scheduled to appear in last season's event and only gained a late entry in to the field as the seventh reserve, following the withdrawal of JB Holmes.
After a last-minute scramble to obtain a visa and sort travel arrangements for China, the-then world No 85 posted an opening-round 67 to sit four strokes adrift of early pacesetter Branden Grace.
A bogey-free 65 on Friday lifted Knox to within two of midway leader Kevin Kisner, before Knox closed the gap further during a weather-affected third round.
Heading to the 18th in fading light, Knox decided against playing the last and came back on his own on Sunday morning to birdie the par-five and claim a share of the advantage.
Knox made a fast start to his final round, birdieing three of his first six holes and kicking off his back nine with successive gains to edge ahead of the chasing pack.
Another birdie at the 16th doubled Knox's cushion, before a pair of pars along the closing stretch completed a two-shot victory over Kevin Kisner and made him the first Scottish winner of a WGC event.
Victory was Knox's maiden European Tour title and his first worldwide win since 2011, parachuting him to a career-high of world No 31 and securing him a three-year exemption on the European Tour.
"It's incredible," said Knox afterwards. "I always hoped it was going to happen, but you're just never sure. To come and be on top this week is a dream come true, and I still can't quite believe I'm here."
Knox heads in to this week's event ranked world No 20, with Travelers Championship victory in August the highlight of five top-10s in 2016. The 31-year-old will tee off alongside Paul Casey and Rickie Fowler for the first two rounds.
Can Knox repeat his Shanghai success? Watch the WGC-HSBC Champions throughout the week live on Sky Sports 4 - your home of golf. Coverage begins on Thursday from 4am.
