Hideki Matsuyama fires record-equalling 61 to win Bridgestone Invitational

World number three Hideki Matsuyama has won the Bridgestone Invitational thanks to a nine-under-par 61 on Firestone Country Club's South Course.

The 25-year-old, who started two shots behind Zach Johnson and Thomas Pieters, sunk an eagle and seven birdies to equal the course record and win by five shots in Akron, Ohio.

Matsuyama took control of the tournament with a front-nine 30 before pulling clear of the chasing pack with four birdies over the last six holes, his third in a row at the last giving him a final score of 16-under-par.

Johnson carded 68 to finish five shots behind the Japanese on 11-under, one ahead of Charley Hoffman, while Paul Casey, Rory McIlroy and Russell Knox all finished on seven-under.

McIlroy was unable to sustain an early charge and yielded three birdies over the first six holes as he closed with 69 which left him in a tie for fifth, nine shots adrift of the champion.

Matsuyama becomes only the fourth player, after Jose Maria Olazabal, Tiger Woods and Sergio Garcia, to shoot 61 on the South Course.