Appleby successfully defends title in Hawaii Jan. 9, 2005 GolfWeb Wire Services E-Mail To A Friend! KAPALUA, Hawaii -- Stuart Appleby became the first back-to-back winner in 22 years at the Mercedes Championships, closing with a 6-under 67 and letting Vijay Singh and Ernie Els make all the mistakes Sunday. Advertisement Appleby almost didn't return to defend his title because of a nerve injury in his left thigh, but he made the trip worthwhile, and it will be even sweeter going home to Australia. His wife is expecting their first child this week. He didn't look like a winner until the back nine on a rainy, windy day at Kapalua. Appleby opened with a 74, becoming the first winner in seven years at Kapalua to have a round over par. And he never birdied the par-5 18th all week, but that didn't matter. Els needed a birdie on the 18th to force a playoff, but his tee shot sailed far to the right, bounced high off the cart path and disappeared into trees and rough for a two-shot penalty. Feature content Information Eagle sparks Appleby's comeback Free preview: TOURCast at Mercedes Championships Multimedia Free preview: Listen to player interviews Free preview: Video highlights Singh, trying to become the first wire-to-wire winner at Kapalua, was tied for the lead until he hooked his tee shot into the weeds on No. 13 and took triple bogey. The last opportunity belonged to Jonathan Kaye, who was in front of the 18th green in two and needed to get up-and-down to catch Appleby. He hit his chip too soft, and failed to make a 30-footer for birdie. Appleby finished at 21-under 271 for a one-shot victory over Kaye. The 33-year-old Aussie won for the sixth time on TOUR, and earned $1.06 million and a Mercedes-Benz sports car. Best of all, he can plan on another trip to paradise next year for the winners-only tournament that starts the PGA TOUR season.