Higgins breakthrough

David Higgins ended six long years of toil when he won the NCC Open at Soderasen in Sweden yesterday. A closing round of 71 for a 10-under-par tally of 274 left him three strokes clear of nearest rival, Martin Erlandsson of Sweden, who returned 68.

"I'm absolutely thrilled," said Higgins before going off to telephone his father, Liam. "It's been a long time coming but all the hard work I put in over the winter in America is beginning to pay off."

The 27-year-old from Waterville began the day three in front on 10 under, but a poor start in which he bogeyed two of the opening three holes left him under pressure from Erlandsson.

The Swede, who started six strokes behind Higgins, went out in 31 to the Irishman's 36, and when Erlandsson rolled in his fifth birdie at the 10th, they were tied on eight under.

But that was the end of the Swede's run, and when Higgins secured birdies a the short 13th and 15th, he was two clear again.

"I hit a six-iron to eight feet on 13 and a seven-iron to four feet at 15," added Higgins.

"I was delighted with those two shots. But I felt good all day and when I parred 16 I caught a glimpse that I was two ahead. Then I knew I only had to keep standing to win it."

With no tour event this week, Higgins can take time off to rest and to celebrate what could prove to be the turning point of his career. It could be a long week in Waterville.