Englishman Justin Rose has emerged victorious at the US Open after prevailing in a tense showdown at the Merion Golf Club.
Rose went into the final day two shots off the lead, with Phil Mickelson ahead of a chasing pack that included Hunter Mahan and Steve Stricker.
A testing course at the Merion saw dropped shots become commonplace among the leaders, with putting proving particularly difficult.
With nerves kicking in, Rose stayed consistent and forced his way into contention as Mickelson double-bogeyed the third hole.
Charles Schwartzel and Luke Donald then fell away with dropped shots on the front nine, leaving Rose in the lead as Mickelson, Mahan and Jason Day gave chase.
Successive birdies at 12 and 13 put Rose in pole position, with Mickelson staying one shot behind after making an eagle at the 10th, with his approach shot towards the green heading straight in.
At the 17th and 18th under pressure Rose stayed calm, delivering composed, quality shots to reach both greens in regulation and card a final round of 70.
Mickelson had a chance to draw level at the 17th but missed a tricky putt, leaving the 32-year-old to claim his maiden Major championship by two shots.
Liam Power
