ARDMORE, Pennsylvania (AFP) - Justin Rose won the US Open at Merion Golf Club on Sunday.

The 32-year-old Englishman shot a closing 70 for a one-over total of 281 and a two-stroke win over Phil Mickelson, who had a 74, and Jason Day of Australia, who carded a 71.

Rose was the first Englishman to win the US Open since Tony Jacklin 43 years ago and the first to win a major since Nick Faldo did so 17 years ago at the Masters.

For 43-year-old Mickelson, it was another US Open heartbreak as he finished runner-up for a record sixth time.