Wall holds nerve to take first tour title

England's Anthony Wall took the first step to emulating his idol Nick Faldo by claiming his first European Tour title at the Alfred Dunhill Championship in Johanesburg yesterday.

The 24-year-old son of a London taxi driver fired a superb final round 68 to claim the £79,000 first prize and a priceless two-year Tour exemption in the first event of 2000, reduced to 54 holes by torrential rain.

His 12-under-par total of 204 left him two shots clear of Wales' Phil Price and Scotland's Gary Orr, with South African Retief Goosen a shot further back on nine under.

Ireland's Paul McGinley fired a closing 69 to finish in a tie for fifth place despite it being his first week with new clubs, the first time he has changed them in seven years.

"It's a good first tournament and obviously I've learnt a lot but there were a few things that weren't quite right, my three-wood for example which cost me two shots today on the 13th and the 18th.

"That club is not right and I'll have to fix it but overall it's been a good week."

Wall practised as a youngster with Faldo at Sunningdale and was inspired by the six-times major champion to work hard on his game under the ever-present guidance of his father Tom.

"Just seeing Nick there was as much an inspiration as you could find," added Wall. "At the time he was the best player in the world and to see him was an awesome experience for me. It definitely drove me on to succeed."

Wall began the day two shots off the lead held by Namibian Trevor Dodds and his chances appeared to be slipping away when he bogeyed the ninth to fall three behind.

But he compiled a superb back nine, rolling in five birdies before surviving a nervous finish at the last, watching as playing partner Orr missed a 15-foot eagle putt to increase the pressure before holing from four feet to confirm victory.

Wall went straight across to embrace his father when the putt dropped, an emotional Tom wiping away the tears.

"I always play well when he's around," Wall added. "He's coached me since day one and him being there is great. Not only is he my dad, he's one of the closest friends I have. It's great to be able to look into the crowd and see a friendly face."

Orr and Price won £46,125 apiece in second place but that was of little consolation for Orr, the 32-year-old Scot desperate for a win after seven winless years on tour.

"I seem to keep finding one player too good for me but if I keep playing like this I'll win my share so I'll keep plugging away," Orr said.