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Ilonen claims Stockholm title

19/08/2007

Mikko Ilonen claimed the Scandinavian Masters title after carding a final round of 68 to finish two shots ahead of the field on six-under-par for the tournament.

The Finn birdied the last hole meaning overnight leader Martin Kaymer needed a par on the same hole to force a playoff.

But the German got into difficulties and made a double-bogey to drop himself down to a four-way tie for second place along with England's Nick Dougherty, Jean-Baptiste Gonnet, Christian Cevaer and Peter Hedblom.

Ilonen began the day tied for third place and started well with two birdies on the opening four holes.

A further two birdies coupled with two bogeys meant he completed the front nine in 32. After picking up another stroke at the 15th he looked to have blown his chances with a double-bogey at the 16th hole.

However, his birdie two at the final hole along with Kaymer's disastrous finish handed the 27-year-old his second victory on the European tour to go with his win in Indonesia in February.

Ilonen said: "It is an unbelievable feeling. If I had to pick one tournament to win, alongside the Majors, it would be this one.

"You all saw the support we get from the crowds, it is something we do not get every week and I hope some other tournaments can learn from this. It is unbelievable for the players to be out there."

Kaymer carded a round of three-over-par and failed to get his game going after dropping shots at the fifth and sixth holes. Fellow overnight leader James Kingston fared even worse with a final round of four-over.

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