Donald regains top spot (From Warrington Guardian)

Donald regains top spot

7:08am Monday 30th April 2012 in National Sport News © Press Association 2013

Luke Donald has regained top spot in the world rankings with a third-placed finish in the Zurich Classic of New Orleans.

The 34-year-old needed a top-seven finish at Avondale to regain pole position from Rory McIlroy - and he got it, finishing third.

For Donald, a final round 67 followed earlier efforts of 73, 65 and 66 to see him finish two shots off the pace.

Birdies on the third, ninth, 11th, 13th and 18th holes ensured the Englishman finished on his own at 17 under par.

It means the top spot in world golf has changed hands nine times in the last 18 months, with Tiger Woods, Lee Westwood and Martin Kaymer also holding the position.

McIlroy begins his quest to regain top spot later this week, when he competes in the Wells Fargo Championship in North Carolina.

The winner of the tournament in Louisiana was American Jason Dufner, who edged out Ernie Els on the second hole of a sudden-death play-off to land his first PGA title at the 164th attempt.

The pair could not be separated on 19 under after the final round.