Matsuyama eyes next step

(Photo: Getty Images)

Hideki Matsuyama says his win at the WGC-HSBC Champions has given him the belief he can win a major.

The Japanese star became the first Asian player to win a WGC event on Sunday as he claimed a seven-shot victory at Sheshan International Golf Club, courtesy of a final round of 66.

Having started the final day with a three-stroke cushion, Matsuyama remained calm throughout, even parring the par-5 last despite hitting his approach into the water.

The 24-year-old’s 23-under total was enough to beat both Henrik Stenson and Daniel Berger by seven shots, while Rory McIlroy and Bill Haas shared fourth in China.

Sunday’s victory means Matsuyama will now rise to sixth in the world rankings and after breaking his duck in the WGC tournaments, believes he now has the game to win a major.

“Winning today, I feel has got me closer to being able to compete a lot better in the Major tournaments,” he said. “My next goal is, of course, to win a Major and I’m going to do all that I can to prepare well for that.”

Tagged Hideki Matsuyama, WGC-HSBC