Sergio Garcia Wins HSBC, Now Second Only to Tiger Woods in World Rankings

I still contend that Anthony Kim should've won the just-concluded HSBC Champions but those pesky, arcane, imbecilic rules of golf conspired against him. I suspect falling off a horse didn't help, either.

In any case, Sergio Garcia somehow outlasted Oliver Wilson for the victory, and not only did the Spaniard earn a shiny, new trophy, he also moved into the second place in the World Rankings, displacing Phil Mickelson, who tied for eighth at the event.

Garcia, now 28, is probably still best known for his inspiring effort at the 1999 PGA Championship, followed closely by his his stellar Ryder Cup record. Despite currently being the planet's second-best golfer, Garcia has loftier goals. Chief among them: getting out of the "Best Player Never..." club currently chaired by Colin Montgomerie:

García was left fielding questions about where he goes from here. His first task, he said, is to win a major and then to challenge to be the world's best. With Woods recuperating from a serious knee operation, the No. 1 spot could be up for grabs around the time of the Masters if the American does not play between the new year and April.

On a lighter note, García was asked what he was going to do with the prize-money. "I'm just going to try to put it in a bank that doesn't go bankrupt," he said, before being reminded that it was HSBC's money that he was pocketing.

I applaud Mr. Nino for having a plan, although Bacon at Dogs is skeptical.

Whatever, this will probably be his last, best chance to get to No. 1, assuming Woods doesn't just up and quit to build golf courses full time.