Golf: Thongchai wins seventh European Tour title

Golf: Thongchai wins seventh European Tour title

Thailand veteran Thongchai Jaidee captured his seventh European Tour title on Sunday with a one-shot victory at the European Open.

The 45-year-old former paratrooper carded a final round, bogey-free 67 for a tournament total 17-under par 267.

England's Graeme Storm also enjoyed a final day 67 for a four-round total 268.

Storm's challenge unravelled when he found water from the 17th tee and, although he managed to save par at the last, Thongchai claimed victory at the 18th, becoming the oldest champion in the event's history.

"It's a very special week for me," said the Thai star.

"It is the third time I have won outside of Asia, so I'm very excited about that and I'm happy to win this tournament.

"I'm feeling very confident at the moment. I didn't make many mistakes this week - only one bogey all week. I played very nicely and 17 under is some score for me.

"I liked the golf course. It's not very long and you have to keep it in play." Despite missing out on a first European Tour since 2007, Storm was happy with his efforts.

"To finish second like last year is disappointing but I've secured my Tour card and I've got a job again for next year," Storm told www.europeantour.com.

"That was the main thing at the start of the week and today as well. Maybe I could have holed a few more putts and the title would be mine, but congratulations to Thongchai, he made a great up and down on the last."

This website is best viewed using the latest versions of web browsers.