Lucquin champion in Switzerland

9/8/2008

Jean-François Lucquin described it as "a dream" after he won the Omega European Masters at Crans-sur-Sierre in thrilling fashion following a play-off with Rory McIlroy.

The Frenchman shot a bogey free 67 to wipe out the 19 year old from Northern Ireland’s four shot overnight lead and snatched the title with a birdie at the second play-off hole.

After Gregory Havret's victory in the Johnne Walker Championship at Gleneagles last weekend, the champagne was again being sprayed around the 18th green as Lucquin followed his good friend into the winners' enclosure and sparked the traditional French celebrations.

McIlroy, trying to become the third-youngest winner in European Tour history, missed a five foot putt for par at the 18th that would have given him the title.

McIlroy started the final day four clear, but after bogeys on the second and third suddenly found himself one behind.

Four players tied for third place, including home favourite Julien Clément, who finished an impressive tournament with a 68.

Gary Orr and Miguel Angel Jiménez also finished 11 under par after both hit 67s today, with France’s Christian Cévaër also taking a share of third with a 68.

Leaderboard – Final:

1. Jean-Francois Lucquin           FRA  68 67 69 67 271 -13
2. Rory McIlroy                         NIR  63 71 66 71 271 -13
3. Christian Cévaër                   FRA  68 71 65 68 272 -12
    Julien Clément                     SUI  69 68 67 68 272 -12
    Miguel Angel Jiménez           ESP  68 69 68 67 272 -12
    Gary Orr                             SCO  67 71 67 67 272 -12
7. Juan Abbate                        ARG  68 67 69 69 273 -11
    Robert Dinwiddie                  ENG  76 64 64 69 273 -11
    Rafa Echenique                   ARG  69 70 66 68 273 -11
    Ross McGowan                     ENG  67 73 66 67 273 -11

Source: European Tour