CRANS-MONTANA (Switzerland): Denmark’s Thomas Bjorn birdied the first extra play-off hole to capture his second European Masters title in three years on Sunday after coming back from two shots down in the final round.
At the weather-hit mountain course at Crans Montana, Bjorn holed a 12 foot putt to defeat Scotland’s Craig Lee in mist and steady rain after both players ended regulation play tied at 20-under.
It is the two-time Ryder Cup winner’s 14th career victory but first in two years while Lee was looking to capture a maiden Tour title.
Frenchman Victor Dubuisson shot a final round 66 to finish alone in third on 19-under while Spaniard Alejandro Canizares was a further shot back in fourth.
“It was nice,” said the relieved Dane after closing out victory on the first play-off after Lee found the bunker with his tee shot on the 18th which gave him a tough approach to the par four green.
“When I get into situations like today (Sunday) I really know to grind it out and I have to say I’ve been pretty good at closing out tournaments in my career,” he said.
“I give everything in those situations and I just grind, and grind and grind even knowing that I don’t need to play great.
“That’s what it’s about late on Sunday afternoons and I’ve just got that in me
Victory earned Bjorn a first prize cheque of ???366,660 euros (RM1.6mil) and will lift him from 66th to 45th in the world rankings. — AFP
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