Jaidee gets the upper hand on Dubuisson and Gallacher

Jaidee triumphs in play-off to take the Nordea Masters title in Sweden

Thongchai Jaidee embraces his caddie after winning the Nordea Masters. Photograph: EPA
Thongchai Jaidee embraces his caddie after winning the Nordea Masters. Photograph: EPA

Thailand's Thongchai Jaidee defeated Victor Dubuisson and Stephen Gallacher in a play-off on a thrilling final day of the Nordea Masters in Malmo.

Jaidee claimed his sixth European Tour title at the first extra hole, tucking away a putt from three feet after Frenchman Dubuisson and Scotland’s Gallacher missed birdie chances.

“I worked hard today,” Jaidee said after his win.

“The golf course is wide open, you have to hit good golf shots and the weather helped a little bit.”

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Jaidee hit a final-round 65 comprising an eagle at 11, six birdies and one bogey, as he reeled in and overtook overnight leaders Henrik Stenson, the world number two, and Eddie Pepperell.

His total of 16 under earned him the clubhouse lead, but he had to watch on as Dubuisson (67) and Gallacher (68) held steady over the final holes to force the play-off.

“I started with three birdies in a row, had another one on six, then a good comeback on 11,” Jaidee continued. “We were nervous the last few holes — 16, 17 and 18 are tough holes — but 16 under was good enough for a play-off.”

Dubuisson had a chance to win outright in regulation after reaching the edge of the 18th green in two shots, but a three-putt from there saw him settle for par and a play-off.

For his part, Gallacher did brilliantly to make the play-off after holing a fine 20-footer for birdie at the last, having looked to have blown his chance with a bogey at 17.

Dutchman Robert-Jan Derksen hit a 65 to finish alone in fourth place on 15 under, one stroke ahead of Stenson (71), while Pepperell's level-par 72 saw him finish in a tie for sixth on 13 under, alongside Alvaro Quiros and Robert Karlsson, whose final-round 63 was the best of the week.