Tiger Woods has won the US Open, beating Rocco Mediate on the first hole of sudden death after the two players had finished on level-par 71s in today's 18-hole play-off at Torrey Pines.

For the second day running, Woods had been forced to make birdie on the 18th to stay alive. From three down with eight holes remaining Mediate, 158th in the world and a qualifier for the event, stormed back to lead by one standing on the 18th tee.

That was the same position he was in a day earlier, but once again he could not birdie the par five and Woods did, this time by finding the green with a three-iron and two-putting from five feet.

Mediate had been trying to become the championship’s oldest winner at 45 years five months, but in the end Woods prevailed, winning his 14th major - and recording his fifth straight triumph on the San Diego course.

He had more problems with the left knee operated on in April - this was his first tournament since the Masters - but when he needed it most his game was there. Whether Woods will be fit enough to contest the Open at Royal Birkdale starting on July 17 remains to be seen.

More to follow.