Luiten hangs tough to secure Wales Open success

JoostLuiten

The Dutchman began the final round two in front but made a poor start with back-to-back bogeys on the opening couple of holes.

However, his nearest pursuers failed to turn the screw and Luiten was able to rally on the back nine by picking up three birdies against just one more dropped shot.

There was still time for some late drama on the closing hole when the leader failed to find the fairway with either of his first two shots.

A fine third got him up onto the green, though, and two solid putts were enough to give him a par five at the 18th, a level round of 71 and the trophy after completing all four days in 14 under, with England's Tommy Fleetwood and Irishman Shane Lowry tied for second.

The victor, who went into the tournament ranked at 48 in the world and in good form after finishing fifth and fourth in recent events, was relieved to secure a fourth European Tour triumph.

"It was tough, it was hard work down the last," Luiten told the European Tour website. "I didn't get the start I wanted with two bogeys, which gave the two shots I had straight back, so I knew then it was going to be a tough day but I just tried to hang in there.

"I waited for my chances, made some nice birdies at the end and a good par down the last was luckily enough. All those little things you learn in the past help you win trophies now."

The triumph came too late to earn Luiten a place in the European team for next weekend's Ryder Cup but first prize of 300,000 euros was reasonable compensation.

"I knew the qualification schedule and knew I needed to play better earlier, but luckily I'm in good form now," he added. "I wish the team all the best and hope they can win."

Fleetwood closed with a 67 and Lowry shot a 70 on the final day, with Nicolas Colsaerts, Eddie Pepperell, Marc Warren, Edoardo Molinari and a Ryder Cup-bound Jamie Donaldson another shot back in joint fourth.

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