Smith gets win as Internationals go down

Australian Cameron Smith capped off his Presidents Cup debut with a memorable victory over American world No.4 Justin Thomas at Royal Melbourne.

By Melissa Woods, Australian Associated Press
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While the Internationals fell short of winning the Presidents Cup, giant-killer Cameron Smith can hold his head high.

Heading into Sunday's singles at Royal Melbourne, debutant Smith was given little chance of taking down American ace Justin Thomas.

At world No.4, Thomas was the highest-ranked golfer in the field and unbeaten in his four matches he looked as good as a gimme.

But the 26-year-old world No.52 threw that script out the window with a gritty performance to secure a two-and-one comeback win over the 2017 PGA Championship winner.

With Team USA on the march, Smith said he knew the International team needed him to deliver a point.

"The Internationals on all the TVs around the golf course were down early so I knew they kind of needed me so it was nice to come through," Smith said.

The American made an early statement, racing to a three-up lead on the back of three birdies in the opening four holes.

Smith locked up the contest winning the 10th and then pushed the lead out to two on the 14th after a Thomas bogey.

Using the massive crowd to will him home, Smith then nailed a two metre birdie putt on the 17th to seal the unlikely win.

He said playing in front of home fans who offered such vocal support had been special.

He finished the tournament with win one win, one loss and one tie from his three matches.

"Obviously the support for the Internationals this week has been really good - it's just been awesome," Smith said of his bitterwseet victory.

"There's no words really to describe the atmosphere.

"You don't get stuff like that very often, so I've just try and enjoy it.

"Yeah, it was a good win for myself today, so much emotion in the match, and after the match, as well.

"I don't think I've ever been so excited and then kind of really gutted in the space of a few minutes."

Smith won't get any rest, heading straight to Royal Pines in Queensland where he will attempt to win his third straight Australian PGA title.


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