Thomas Bjorn matched his nearest rivals on the final day of the BMW International Open to claim his first European Tour win of the season in an event which saw the welcome return to form by several European Ryder Cup players.
The Dane receives the £191,000 winner's cheque after closing with a final round 66 for a 24-under 264 total, four shots ahead of England's John Bickerton (66) and Germany's Bernhard Lager (67) in second.
At one point Langer had got to within one shot of his Ryder Cup teammate as the German attempted to improve on his three runner-up finishes in this event. Bjorn wouldn't be denied though, and was able to match anything his nearest challengers threw at him to regain the title he also won in 2000.
Padraig Harrington was the highest placed Irishman at the München Nord-Eichenried venue in a share of 17th on 12-under following his second consecutive 68. However, what was more satisfying was observing Paul McGinley's confidence return as he finished on 10-under.
In truth the Dubliner limped home somewhat, with a final round 74, but it was the consistent play over the week which was most welcome ahead of the Belfry encounter later this month.
Bjorn's best finish in Europe this year came with a fifth place in the Irish Open in Cork. He was tied eighth in the Open at Muirfield after producing more strong play in Germany when the 31-year-old tied sixth behind Tiger Woods in the Deutsche Bank - SAP Open TPC of Europe at St Leon Rot.
Harrington and McGinley may well link up in the Ryder Cup matches, considering their World Cup success in 1997 and the dominance they displayed at the Seve Trophy in April. As for Bjorn and Langer, the European captain Sam Torrance must, justifiably, have high expectations for these two when they take on the Americans.
Meanwhile, Woods today confirmed he will play his second Dubai Desert Classic next March, according to organisers of the European Tour event. The Open winner, Ernie Els, is the defending champion for the tournament which gets under way at the Emirates Golf Club from March, 6th-9th, 2003.