Blades Brown beats Ben James in Mexico playoff

Blades Brown beat Ben James on the second hole of a playoff to win the World Wide Technology Championship in Mexico on Sunday, November 8, ending James’s bid for his first PGA Tour victory.

Brown, a teenager, birdied the second playoff hole, according to the tournament account. James had taken a four-shot lead into the final round after shooting a six-under-par 66 on Saturday to reach 21 under. He had been four shots clear of Ryan Gerard, who finished the third round at 17 under.

James said after the playoff that he felt a range of emotions after a long day and had fought hard. He described a poor start and front nine, and said he drove the green on the 10th hole but three-putted. He said he later made a birdie putt on the final hole to help take the contest to a playoff.

“I was committed and thats all I could do,” James told reporters. His comments followed a close finish in which, he said, both players made birdies before Brown prevailed in the playoff.

The result came a day after James had appeared in a strong position to secure his first tour title. The 23-year-old American turned professional in June and had finished the third round with three consecutive rounds below 70,...