Ernie Els won the World Match Play title for a record sixth time on his 35th birthday, beating Lee Westwood 2 and 1 to earn the biggest prize in golf - 1 million pounds or $A2.47 million.

Els' victory on a 20-foot birdie putt at the long 17th was his third straight in the event, matching the three he won from 1994 to 1996. It was his first victory over Westwood in three matches in the championship.

Westwood, the 2000 champion, won STG400,000 ($A989,600).

The players were all square after 18 holes.

Els won the 21st and 22nd, Westwood twice got back to one down but Els won the 34th with a par-4.

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