Luke Donald hails Steve Stricker despite being pipped to title

Luke Donald paid tribute to Steve Stricker after just failing to overcome the new world No2 at the Northern Trust Open.

The Englishman hit a final-round 66 at the Riviera Country Club near Los Angeles but fell two short of the American, who closed with a 70 for 16 under overall.

Stricker lost his PGA Tour card in 2004 and Donald said: "He's worked hard and has a lot of belief in himself now."