Mikko Ilonen wins Volvo World Match Play Championship

Mikko Ilonen overcame Ryder Cup star and world number five Henrik Stenson to win the Volvo World Match Play Championship this afternoon.

Top seed Stenson drew first blood when he birded the fourth hole at the London Golf Club, but Ilonen responded with birdies of his own at holes five and eight to take the lead.

Ilonen produced another birdie-three at 11 and, when Stenson could only bogey the 12th, the Finn was in command with a three-hole advantage.

Stenson then reduced the arrears courtesy of birdies at 13 and 15, but Ilonen won holes 14 and 17 to wrap up a 3&1 victory.

The win secured a fifth European Tour title for the 34-year-old from Lahti, who has now moved into the top 40 of the world rankings.