GOLF/Greater Hartford Open: Phil Mickelson, likening his day to a roller-coaster, successfully defended his Greater Hartford Open title on Sunday, making a short birdie putt on the final hole to close a brilliant six-under 64.

The second-ranked player in the world, Mickelson began the day with a five-shot deficit but finished with a four-round total of 14-under 266, good enough to hold off third-round leader Jonathan Kaye and Davis Love by a stroke.

Mickelson was two shots off the score he posted en route to last year's title but still became the first player to repeat as champion in the 51-year history of the event.

"To be the first one to win it twice is something very special," he said. "But there's nothing greater than the feeling walking up 18 and feeling the support from the crowd and the community and everyone who is involved with this tournament."

Kaye had the best chance to force a play-off but badly missed a 12-foot birdie putt at 18. He tapped in for par and tied Love for second at 267 - his fourth runner-up finish in 164 PGA Tour starts.

Scott Verplank was fourth at 269, a stroke better than Joel Edwards and Jim Carter.