Jimenez takes Masters
09/05/2010 07:00:57 PM
Miguel Angel Jimenez has finally taken out the European Masters, winning in Crans-sur-Sierre at the 22nd time of asking.
The veteran Spaniard hit a final-round 67 to clinch a three-shot win from Italian Edoardo Molinari, with a 46-year-old's delight at his triumph clear upon completing his final round in Switzerland.
Jimenez began the final day with a three-shot lead and had extended it to six by the turn after nailing four birdies.
But if Jimenez felt comfortable at that point, he was made to sweat on the run home after Ryder Cup teammate Molinari closed within one shot with three holes remaining.
A bogey on the 16th hole stymied the Italian's charge, and Jimenez was able to draw away again to finish three shots clear.
"I made a good recovery at the 16th - that was probably the key to the day," Jimenez said.
"I love to come here. It's not only my two times second, it's the amount of times I have finished top ten and been in contention, so it means a lot."
Italian Matteo Manassero - 17 years of age and with a world ranking of 257 - finished five shot back from Jimenez in third.
It is Jimenez's third European Tour victory of the season, having already won in Dubai and France.
He pockets a 333,330 euro check for his win.