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Stenson scoops BMW title

04/09/2006

Henrik Stenson ensured he heads into the Ryder Cup full of confidence after claiming a play-off victory to win the BMW International Open in Munich.

The Swedish golfer shot a stunning eagle at the first extra hole to see off the challenges from Padraig Harrington and Retief Goosen after all three had finished on 15-under-par.

Stenson holed out from 235 yards on the replayed 18th but only after his ball kindly bounced out of the rough and on to the green.

"I had more than a little luck at 18," he admitted afterwards.

"I hit it a bit left and got a good bounce off the mound to four feet. I didn't realise it was a good shot until the crowd went nuts.

"Sometimes you get bounces like that - and I didn't get any luck during my final round."

His win takes him to the top of the European rankings above Luke Donald, who finished in shared sixth place in Germany, one shot behind fellow Englishman David Howell.

Colin Montgomerie shared sixth place with Donald despite a fairly disappointing final round 71 for the Scot.

"I played well and that's the best performance in a few months," he said. "But I just didn't score today. After the 11th, I just couldn't find a birdie."

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