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Rookie Larrazabal sees off veteran Monty in French Open

29/06/2008

Rising star Pablo Larrazabal held off the challenge of Colin Montgomerie to win the French Open in Paris.

The Spaniard finished four strokes ahead of Montgomerie after carding 67 to finish on 15-under par.

Montgomerie had to settle for second place despite an impressive 68, while Lee Westwood (71) was joint fifth on seven-under.

Playing in only his 17th Tour event, Larrazabal started the day three strokes ahead of the rest of the field.

The Barcelona-based golfer made a scintillating start with three birdies in his first five holes.

Larrazabal saw his lead sliced to two strokes after a double-bogey seven on the ninth.

But the rookie recovered by sinking four more birdies to seal victory and pocket a cheque for an eye-watering £527,800.

The 25-year-old said he was thrilled with his maiden win, just five years after caddying for his brother.

"I don't know how it feels, it's fantastic," Larrazabal said.

"I really played great golf and my putter was great all week.

"I lost my concentration a little bit on nine, but I told myself 'You're still leading, try to concentrate again'. That I did."

Meanwhile, Montgomerie said he is pleased with his performance in Paris in his bid to play in September's Ryder Cup.

"That's a big step in the right direction," the 45-year-old said.

"Forgive me for not knowing the winner's name, but he has a great future ahead of him.

"Good luck to him. The flags were no gimmees on the last four and he played them in two under. It's difficult to win out here and he has done it very well."