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Swede Fasth wins Mallorca crown

22/10/2006

Sweden's Niclas Fasth edged out Sergio Garcia by three strokes to win the Mallorca Classic at Pula.

The 34-year-old adds to his victory in the Spanish Open at San Roque six months ago after carding a final round of 68 to finish on 25-under.

2004 winner Garcia also carded 68 to finish runner-up for the second straight year.

But the home favourite's round was disrupted after a group invaded the 18th green to protest at the building of more golf courses on the island.

Scotland's Marc Warren took third place on one-under along with Spain's Manuel Lara.

But it was Fasth's day as he pockets a cheque for £196,000 after birdies on the 14th and 16th holes.

His lead had been reduced to one after a bogey on the ninth but Garcia missed a crucial putt from six feet on the 14th as Fasth hung on for victory.

The veteran said his victory proved he can still mix it with the best.
"To be a champion again has a lovely sound to it, I feel great," he said.

"Any win is great but, coming up the last with a three shot lead, I was able to enjoy the last hole which you don’t get to do all the time. It is never easy to lead but I felt good knowing over the closing holes knowing that I had a few shots in hand.

"I think the next level for me is now to contend a bit more in tournaments. Over the past couple of seasons I haven’t been involved enough in tournaments at the weekend and I think I have shown that if I can get myself into those type of positions, then I can win."

The victory is Fasth's fifth title on the European Tour and moves him up to 21st in the order of title rankings.

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