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Clarke seals dramatic last-shot Asian Open win

27/04/2008

A sensational birdie put on the final hole gave Darren Clarke victory at the Asian Open.

The Northern Ireland player went into the final round with a one stroke advantage as he looked to claim his first European tour title in five years and his fine form continued as he went round in a one-over-par 73.

With the Dutchman Robert-Jan Derksen lying just one shot behind, Clarke was under pressure to stay consistent and a missed four-foot birdie opportunity a the 15th led to some doubts creeping in among the Shanghai crowd.

All eyes were on the Ryder Cup star on the final green, where he needed to sink a birdie to claim the title and he did so in dramatic style, stroking in a long-range putt, the highlight of a close competition.

Commenting on his win, the 39-year-old said: "This is very special. It's been the toughest win of them all."

Derksen went on to claim second spot, carding seven-under-par overall, while third place was shared by England's Robert Dinwiddie, Lin Wen-Tang of Thailand and Italian Francesco Molinari, all of whom finished on four-under-par, even though none of the chasing pack ever looked likely to challenge the top two.