David Howell jumps to World No.13

Britain's David Howell rose six places to a career-high 13th in the world rankings following his two-shot victory at the Champions Tournament in Shanghai.

The 30-year-old Englishman held off top-ranked Tiger Woods with a four-under-par 68 on Sunday to clinch the third European Tour title of his career.

Having begun the year at 43rd in the global pecking order, Howell is now the highest ranked Briton and the second highest European after Spaniard Sergio Garcia, the world number six.

Howell overhauled compatriot Luke Donald (15), Irishmen Padraig Harrington (14) and Paul McGinley (20) and another Briton, Colin Montgomerie (16), with his impressive victory at Sheshan International Golf Club.

"As a kid, I never dreamed I'd be the 13th best player in the world but I have an inkling I can go even further," Howell told reporters after finishing on 20-under 268 in the opening event of the 2006 European Tour.

"I'm a better player than I thought I ever would be and I'm still not satisfied and I think I can be better."

U.S. Masters and British Open champion Woods strengthened his hold at the top of the world rankings, despite having to settle for the runner-up spot behind Howell in China.

The 30-year-old American, who carded a final-round 70 at Sheshan International, boosted his points average to 18.16.

Second-ranked Vijay Singh trails Woods by an average of 7.66 world ranking points after tying for fifth at the Champions tournament.

The world's top 10 was unchanged when the rankings were announced on Monday.

U.S. PGA champion Phil Mickelson and twice U.S. Open winner Retief Goosen stayed third and fourth with Ernie Els, out of action since July because of a knee injury, remaining fifth.

Northern Ireland's Darren Clarke edged up one spot to 19th after successfully defending his Taiheiyo Masters title in Japan on Sunday.

World ranking points are accumulated over a two-year period, with points awarded in the most recent 13-week spell doubled.

Each player is ranked according to his average points per tournament, points being weighted according to the status of the event and strength of the field.

November 15, 2005

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