Golf:Alvaro Quiros joined Seve Ballesteros and Sergio Garcia as the only home winners of the Spanish Open since 1972. The highest-ranked player in the field at the Real Club in Seville grabbed his fourth Tour title with a par on the first play-off hole against England rookie James Morrison.
In his first start since winning in Madeira three weeks ago, 25-year-old Morrison threatened to make it back-to-back victories in only the sixth and seventh tour events of his career.
But after firing a five under par 67 compared to Quiros’ 70 to force sudden death, the former England youth cricketer pulled his approach into the lake when the pair returned to the 432-yard 18th.
Morrison’s double-bogey handed the title and winner’s cheque of nearly €333,330 to Quiros after they had tied on 11 under par 277.
The victory lifts the Malaga golfer from 17th to seventh in the Ryder Cup points standings and that will delight captain Colin Montgomerie, who has been singing his praises for months.
As they play-off unfolded long-time leader Mark Foster was left cursing the three-foot putts he missed on the 16th and 18th green to lose by one.
His only European Tour victory came at the Dunhill Championship seven years and more than 200 events ago, but by three-putting first for par and then for bogey at the last he closed with a 74 after bringing a three-stroke advantage into the day.
Foster tied for third alongside Spain’s Alejandro Canizares (68 ) and Raphael Jacquelin from France (71).
In contrast to Foster’s disappointment, world number 35 Quiros was all smiles. “I think it’s one of the most important things in my life for sure,” he said.
“To be the winner of your Open is something really, really great - with the
Ryder Cup and the World Cup it’s the best three things in golf for me.”
Shane Lowry finished as leading Irishman just outside the top 10 at tied 12th. Although the Offaly pro closed with his worst score of the week, a level par 72, it was good enough to pick up a cheque for €33,330.
Damien McGrane started the day level with Lowry but lost ground after a 74 dropped the Meath pro back to five under, tied 17th. It was another steady outward half of 36 before his round slipped away on the back nine with four bogeys against two birdies.
Darren Clarke was two shots further back after a closing 69 but prize money of €16,915 will hardly have balanced the books against the cost of his premature departure and quick return on a private jet after the halfway cut.