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Westwood loses tense play-off to Spaniard at Belfry

28/09/2008

Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano beat Lee Westwood in a dramatic play-off to win the British Masters at the Belfry.

Both players had finished on 12-under par after defending champion Westwood carded 70 while Fernandez-Castano fired 67.

The pair played the 18th three times before the Spaniard sealed victory with a stunning putt from off the green.

New Zealand's Michael Campbell finished third on 10 under par while David Howell ended on two-under.

But Fernandez-Castano stole the show with five birdies in his final round. His most impressive shot was on the 18th from the rough which left him a four-foot putt to take the match into a play-off.

In the play-off, the 27-year-old sunk successive ten-foot putts before repeating the trick to clinch his fourth Tour title.

Meanwhile, Westwood looked exhausted after teeing-off early due to dense fog and his exploits at last week's Ryder Cup.

The players had to complete their third rounds this morning after another fog delay yesterday.

Westwood, who narrowly misses out on returning to the world's top ten, said he was disappointed to lose having been three strokes ahead with ten holes left.

"I just struggled with my swing all day. I didn't feel under control at any point," the Worksop golfer said.

"I was pleased to be in a play-off as I felt I really hung in there.

"When 'Gonzo' chipped in at the 12th I think the writing was on the wall. I felt I am at the end of my tether and running on empty."