European Tour Members once again occupy the top four places in the Official World Golf Rankings with Rory McIlory up to a career high of second and Martin Kaymer back to fourth after his victory in the WGC – HSBC Champions.
McIlroy's last-hole birdie at Sheshan International in Shanghai took him past Lee Westwood and now only Luke Donald is ahead of the 22 year old US Open Champion thanks to his fourth-place finish.
If he had parred the 18th McIlroy would have been in a four-way tie for sixth and would have stayed behind Westwood in the rankings.
But he hit his approach to the par five to the back of the green and two-putted - watched by Westwood, who finished 13th after a disappointing closing 74.
Kaymer's victory after a magnificent 63 containing nine birdies in the last 12 holes lifted him back to fourth in the world, giving Europe the top four places once again.
Donald missed the tournament while awaiting the birth of his second daughter, but was too far ahead to be caught even if Westwood or McIlroy had won.
Kaymer's title triumph has also put him at the head of the race for a spot in Europe's Ryder Cup team.
The German is top of the European Points List, the top five on which make the team. The top five on the World Points List (who have not already qualified) on August 26 next year also make the 12-man line-up, with captain José María Olazábal able to choose two wild cards.
