Australia's Noel Ratcliffe claimed his first victory of the 2001 European Tour season when he closed with a fine five-under-par 67 to win the Beko Seniors Classic at the Gloria Golf Resort in Turkey.

Ratcliffe, who was number one on last season's Seniors Tour Order of Merit, started the last round four shots behind the leaders, Scotland's Mike Miller and England's Malcolm Gregson.

But a back nine of four-under-par 32, including two birdies in the last three holes, gave Ratcliffe a winning seven-under-par aggregate of 209.

In the end, Ratcliffe, a winner of two titles on last season's Tour, finished one shot in front of another Australian, Terry Gale, who closed with a 70.

"It's great to win here because I needed a fast start if I'm going to retain my number one spot on the money list," said Ratcliffe.