Simpson crowned US Open champ

Webb Simpson became the 15th different major winner in a row by claiming the US Open by one shot at Olympic Club on Sunday.

The 26-year-old started the final round joint eighth, carding two over pars round on Thursday and Friday, before keeping himself in the hunt with a 68 on Saturday. The American competitor matched his third-round score with another 68 on Sunday, setting the pace at one-over before retiring to the club house to watch the rest of the field. Overnight leaders Graeme McDowell and Jim Furyk kept themselves in contention until the last hole, needing a birdie to force a play-off with Simpson. Furyk, the 2003 winner, found the rough and then a bunker to end his challenge, while 2010 winner McDowell had a 25ft putt to take the second major of the year to an extra hole. However, the Northern Irishman sent his putt wide to hand Simpson his first major in just his fifth start in one of golf's grand slam events. "I've never felt nerves like I felt today," said Simpson. "I had to hit my legs because I couldn't feel them. "I probably prayed more the last three holes than I ever did in my life." While Simpson lifted his first major crown, McDowell's 73 gave him a share of second place alongside Michael Thompson, while Furyk's 74 dropped him into a share of third. Elsewhere, Lee Westwood's challenge was ended by a three over 73, a round that was matched by Tiger Woods, as they both finished well down the leaderboard.