Allez Larrazabal ! Imperious Pablo wins in France

6/29/2008

Pablo Larrazabal was crowned European golf’s newest star at the Open de France ALSTOM after a stunning performance at Le Golf National saw the swashbuckling Spaniard hold off the challenge of a host of European Tour champions including former Order of Merit winners Colin Montgomerie and Lee Westwood.

The 25-year-old, who five years ago was caddieing for his brother in Open de France ALSTOM stormed to a four shot win after a fantastic final round of four under par 67 saw him finish on 15 under par 269, four shots clear of Montgomerie, to take the first prize of €666,660.

Larrazabal, who came through 36 holes of qualifying to make it to Le Golf National, entered the tournament ranked 481st in the Official World Golf Ranking and even described himself as "the 150th best player here".

But, from the moment he opened with a brilliant 65, Larrazabal looked every inch a champion. As the tournament – especially the final round – questions were being asked as to whether or not he had a single nerve in his body as he outplayed world class players like Cabrera, Montgomerie and Westwood to record a deserved victory . 

As a result the European Tour rookie will play his first Major at next month's Open Championship, has secured a place on The European Tour until the end of 2010and is now 17th on The Ryder Cup European Points List.

Larrazabal, who played all week without a driver in his bag on the firm and bouncy Golf National, started the final round three ahead and remained firmly in the driving seat with three birdies in his first five.

Leaderboard – Final:

1. Pablo Larrazabal              ESP  65 70 67 67 269 -15
2. Colin Montgomerie          SCO  69 68 68 68 273 -11
3. Soren Hansen                  DEN  69 69 67 69 274 -10
4. Richard Green                  AUS  73 71 65 67 276 - 8
5. Markus Brier                    AUT  70 71 66 70 277 - 7
    Lee Westwood                  ENG  69 68 69 71 277 - 7
7. John Bickerton                  ENG  72 69 68 70 279 - 5
    Oliver Fisher                     ENG  66 73 69 71 279 - 5
    Soren Kjeldsen                 DEN  72 71 66 70 279 - 5
    Paul Ginley                       IRL  71 73 70 65 279 - 5
    Hennie Otto                      SAF  70 69 75 65 279 - 5
    Charl Schwartzel                SAF  73 70 66 70 279 - 5

Source: European Tour