Monday, June 27, 2011

GreenBkk.com World Sport | Larrazabal pips Garcia in BMW playoff

Larrazabal pips Garcia in BMW playoff

June 26, 2011 -- Updated 1722 GMT (0122 HKT)


Pablo Larrazabal celebrates winning the BMW International tournament on the fifth playoff hole.

(CNN) -- Pablo Larrazabal beat fellow-Spaniard Sergio Garcia on the fifth playoff hole to claim a dramatic victory in the BMW International tournament in Munich on Sunday.

The 28-year-old, sealed his second European Tour success with a tap-in birdie at the par-five 18th -- the third time the pair had played that hole -- after Garcia had missed his eight-foot putt for a birdie.

Neither player had won a tournament since 2008, Garcia claiming the Players Championship that year while Larrazabal won his only event, the French Open, but each carded closing 68s for a 72-hole total of 272 (-16) to ensure one of them would end that drought.

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Despite his defeat, Garcia -- who needed a birdie on the final hole to take the tournament to a playoff -- had the consolation of knowing that his second position was enough to secure a place in the field for next month's British Open.

Five players shared third place on 274 including Scotland's Scott Jamieson, who carded a best-of-the-day 64.

South Africans Retief Goosen and George Coetzee, Dutchman Joost Luiten and Englishman Mark Foster finished level with Jamieson.

However, overnight leader Mark Foster, who took a two-stroke advantage going into the final 18 holes, fell away after an erratic level par 72 which included six bogeys.

An emotional Larrazabal later told reporters that a recent family bereavement had spurred him on to victory.

"Last week we lost my grandad, the captain of the family, and this is for him," said Larrazabal. "Beating one of my heroes when I was growing up is just a dream -- very emotional."

Credit: CNN (www.cnn.com)

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