Justin Thomas wins second CJ Cup title in South Korea

Sacha Pisani

Justin Thomas wins second CJ Cup title in South Korea image

Justin Thomas claimed his second CJ Cup trophy Sunday in South Korea.

The U.S. star, who also won the PGA Tour event in 2017, carded a 5-under 67 in the final round to win by two strokes on Jeju Island.

The former world No. 1, Thomas withstood a duel with runner-up Danny Lee.

Thomas entered the final day tied for the lead alongside Lee, a South Korea-born New Zealander whose 3-under 69 wasn't enough to keep up at Nine Bridges Golf Club.

The pair went toe-to-toe during the final 18 holes, sharing the lead down the stretch, but back-to-back bogeys at the 15th and 16th dashed Lee's hopes.

Thomas birdied three holes on the back nine, capping his triumphant performance with another birdie at the last to finish 20 under for his 11th PGA Tour title.

Hideki Matsuyama (65), Gary Woodland (66) and Cameron Smith (69) finished tied for third, five shots back of Thomas.

Three-time major champion Jordan Spieth was unable to maintain his charge following a final-round 71.

Spieth had four bogeys to go with five birdies as he fell four positions into a tie for eighth – eight shots off the pace.

Meanwhile, American veteran Phil Mickelson (68) ended the event tied for 31st, a shot ahead of former world No. 1 Jason Day.

Day and Matsuyama on Sunday night will join Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy in the "The Challenge: Japan Skins," a made-for-TV event at 11 p.m. ET (Golf Channel) in Chiba, Japan.

Sacha Pisani