DENMARK’S THORBJORN Olesen claimed his maiden European Tour title yesterday, holding off a strong late challenge from England’s Chris Wood at the Sicilian Open.
Wood equalled the course record with a brilliant eight-under-par 64 in perfect conditions at the Verdura resort to charge into contention, but overnight leader Olesen held his nerve to post a 69 and win by one shot on 15 under.
Offaly’s Shane Lowry briefly held a share of the lead during the final round after carding seven birdies and no bogeys in his first 13 holes, but back-to-back bogeys at the 17th and 18th saw him settle for a share of sixth spot on 10 under after a 67.
Olesen, 22, was delighted with his first victory after coming close on a number of occasions. “It feels amazing. I had three seconds last year, so to finally get my first win is great.
“I’ve been playing some great golf this year, without all parts of my game coming together. But this week my long and short game both came together, and it feels fantastic to finally get over the line.
“I saw he [Wood] was doing well when I arrived at the ninth, so I knew I had to go for it and make birdies, so it kind of made up my mind for me that I had to play attacking golf.
“I was definitely a bit nervous. I was just trying to focus on one shot at a time, but that’s very difficult to do because your mind keeps thinking of other things. But I’m really happy to finish with a par on 18, because it’s a really tough golf hole. So when I found the green with my second shot, I was very happy.”
Olesen had a mixed opening, carding two bogeys and two birdies over his first five holes. He had started the day with a three-shot advantage but soon found himself pegged back as Wood joined him on 14 under.
The 24-year-old from Bristol, himself seeking his first Tour crown after five previous top-three finishes, was five under through five after birdies on the second, third and fifth holes and an eagle on four, and had advanced to eight under for the day to earn a share of the lead with six holes remaining.
He picked up another shot with a further birdie on 14 but blotted his copybook with a bogey on the par-five 17th, which ultimately proved costly.
Olesen dropped a shot on 13 but got straight back on track with a birdie on 14 and then got over the line by parring the last four holes.
Wood was nevertheless delighted with his day’s work. “It’s been coming for a while,” he said. “I’ve been playing really well lately and not getting the scores.
“It’s nice to play well and give myself a chance. Unfortunately it wasn’t enough in the end, but I gave it my best shot and that’s all you can do.”
Gareth Maybin closed out with a 69 to finish in a tie for 11th on eight under, while first-round leader Peter Lawrie was a shot further back after a 73
