(ct) The 14th major title was Tiger Woods' greatest display of overcoming adversity. This was his Michael Jordan-with-the-flu moment. Like his good friend, Woods can will himself to victory. But did it come at a cost? Was all the limping and wincing a glimpse into what Woods faces in the future? One thing is certain: The left knee has now become an important story line in Woods' quest to rewrite the record books. Hobbling around on a knee that was screaming for ice and a recliner, Woods held on Monday at Torrey Pines to win a thrilling U.S. Open playoff over gritty Rocco Mediate. The playoff needed a playoff, as both players finished at even-par 71 after 18 holes. Mediate, after two errant shots on the first sudden-death hole, the par-4 seventh, missed his par putt, enabling Woods to win with a par after he had birdied 18 to force double overtime.It took 91 holes, but Woods got his third U.S. Open title and is now four majors away from Jack Nicklaus' record 18. Relishing the effort required, Woods called the victory his "best ever," or at least on par with his first major title in the 1997 Masters. But his left knee clearly might have a different opinion.

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