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Wednesday, 19 October 2005 |
Golfer Raphael Jacquelin claims his first European Tour title
France's Raphael Jacquelin claimed his first European Tour title at the 238th attempt at the Madrid Open.
Raphael Jacquelin, 31, carded a final-round 69 to finish three strokes ahead of Paul Lawrie from Scotland who returned a 64.
Ulsterman Darren Clarke (67) finished five shots off the lead and tied for third with Dane Anders Hansen (64).
Welshman Ian Woosnam (65) finished one shot back in fifth while
Scotland's Colin Montgomerie (66) finished eight shots off the lead in
a tie for eighth.
Raphael Jacquelin, who had previously finished second four times on the
Tour, admitted feeling the pressure when Paul Lawrie completed the
front nine in 31.
Raphael Jacquelin said: "It was tough when Paul started to get close
but I knew if could get some birdies on the back nine I could hang on.
"My wife Fanny and I are expecting our second baby very soon, so this
is a good present. It's just fantastic. I have waited so long for
this."
Raphael Jacquelin's maiden victory comes the week after England's John
Bickerton finally won at his 287th attempt when he took the Canaries
Open title.
And Paul Lawrie, whose finish ensured a Volvo Masters place, was happy with his challenge.
"Someone had to have a go but Raphael had to make a few
mistakes for me to have any chance. He was so far ahead, second place
seems like winning."
But Order of Merit leader Colin Montgomerie, was disappointed after missing three short putts in his final round.
"The greens were terrible," said Colin Montgomerie, "one of the reasons I putted badly."
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 19 October 2005 )
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