You are in > manchester.com  > News > Levet edges past British teenager to win nail-biting playoff

Golf

Levet edges past British teenager to win nail-biting playoff

30/03/2008

Thomas Levet pipped British teenager Oliver Fisher in a playoff to win the Andalucia Open in Aloha.

Fisher, 19, was three strokes ahead at one stage but bogeyed the 13th and 14th then found the water off the tee on the 18th.

Levet bogeyed the 13th but sank three birdies in the next four holes to finish level with Fisher on 16 under to force a playoff.

On the first extra hole, Fisher hit a bogey five on the first extra hole to hand Levet a thrilling victory.

Victory would have made Fisher the fifth-youngest winner in European Tour history.

The Essex youngster, in his second full season as a professional, said he was sure there will be more chances in the future to secure a Tour win.

"On the final hole I just turned it over a little bit and it pitched 15 to 20 yards short of the water. As soon as you get it going on the wind it goes miles," Fisher said.

"The second time was always going to be a little hard after doing that.

"But I was pretty happy with my week. I got myself into contention and played pretty nicely."

Levet, whose first win in four years sees him pocket a cheque for almost £130,000, said Fisher has to potential to match the world's best.

"I don't think I've ever finished a tournament this way - Oliver made it very hard," Levet said.

"He will probably be the next Nick Faldo or something like that because he is a great player.

"If he improves on Tour in two or three years he'll be like Tiger Woods - he's that good."

Defending champion Lee Westwood, the overnight leader, finished second on 13 under.