Golf: Woods' latest win breaks more records

Tiger Woods' victory in the Mercedes Championship was another record- breaking performance from the most exhilarating player the game has seen for a long time.

The $216,000 (pounds 130,000) first prize at Carlsbad, California, gave the 21-year-old Woods $1,006,594 in career winnings in only nine events since turning professional. The previous fastest was Ernie Els who needed 28 events to win his first $1m. And only Gene Sarazen and Horton Smith won three events at a younger age than Woods.

"It's a perfect start," Woods, said after shooting a near hole-in-one with a six-iron from 186 yards to win a play-off with Tom Lehman on the first extra hole.

Sunday's play was washed out and the tournament reduced to three rounds. Asked if he was surprised by winning a third time so quickly, Woods said: "No, only because it is what I set out to do - win every tournament."