Singh clinches WGC-Bridgestone Invitational by a shot

AKRON, Ohio (Reuters) - Vijay Singh survived a torrid time with his putter to win the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational by one shot at Firestone Country Club on Sunday.

The smooth-swinging Fijian squandered an early two-stroke lead with an untidy run around the turn before holding on to clinch his first victory in a World Golf Championship event.

Joint pacesetter overnight with American Phil Mickelson and Britain's Lee Westwood, Singh fired a two-under-par 68 for a 10-under total of 270.

Westwood closed with a 69 to share second place with Australian Stuart Appleby (68) while Mickelson bogeyed three of the last four holes for a 70 and a tie for fourth at eight under with South African Retief Gosen (67).

(Reporting by Mark Lamport-Stokes; Editing by Rex Gowar)