McNulty holds off late charge by Hoch

MARK McNULTY is "renowned for his composure, so it was not surprising to see him cope admirably with a last round charge from American Scott Hoch to win the Dutch Open at Hilversum yesterday.

The Zimbabwean (43), collected his second victory of the year, and his 14th in Europe, when he shot 68 for an 18-under par-total of 266, one better than Hoch, and three ahead of Scotland's Raymond Russell and Frank Nobilo.

Hoch, who equalled the course record of 63 in Saturday's third round to set up the prospect of retaining the title, added a 66, but fell one short of forcing a play-off when he failed to hole a birdie putt of six feet on the last green.

Earlier, he had threatened to rapidly eliminate McNulty's three-shot overnight advantage, first by unleashing five birdies in the first 10 holes, then by chipping from 20 yards for an eagle three at the 12th.

McNulty was on the green at the par five in two, but had left his first putt from the rear of the green 10 feet short of the hole. Hoch's good fortune meant that if he had missed, they would have been level.

But McNulty coolly converted a slick, downhill putt for the birdie four that kept him ahead, and despite missing a much shorter one at the 15th, remained in control through the tense closing stages.

He was still one ahead on the 8th tee, where he presented Hoch with an opening by letting his drive drift into semi-rough on the right. The American opened up the green with his drive, but from 220 yards out pushed a two-iron that left him an awkward pitch over bunkers. He did well to get it to within six feet, but then his putter failed him.

"I chose the wrong club for that shot," said Hoch, "but at least I gave the crowds value for money and gave it everything. I expected to win and I should have won.

McNulty commented: "Scott threw everything at me but was I very confident after shooting 31 for the front nine on the first day and 29 for the back nine on the second day."

The £108,330 first prize has lifted McNulty to fourth place in the rankings, while Russell's splendid 66, which earned him £36,595, has propelled him into contention for a Dunhill debut in the Scotland team.

The composition of the four home nations' line-ups will be finalised after next month's Czech Open. Darren Clarke and Des Smyth saved their best for last, having earlier figured with David Feherty and Philip Walton in one of the most prolonged unproductive spells for many a day.

The quartet had only one birdie between them while playing a total of 61 holes, and that fell to Feherty at the long fourth. That was his last success as he fell away rapidly to an inward 42 and a 79 that dropped him right down the field to 62nd place on a four-over-par 288, worth just £1,755.

Walton was so out of touch with his putter that he did not manage any birdies at all, while Smyth had to wait until the 13th, and Clarke the 14th, before posting a birdie on his card. Both then birdied the last two holes, Clarke for a 71 and 277 to take a share of 18th place worth £7,642, and Smyth for 72 and 278 (25th) and £6,435 prize money.

"My short game let me down badly over the last two rounds," said Smyth, who had taken the halfway lead with opening rounds of 64 and 67 to open up the prospect of a first win for three years. "All I can say is that I had two good rounds, and a good finish to the last.

Walton ended with 74 for 281 to be 37th and won £4,420.