ID :
41531
Mon, 01/19/2009 - 17:22
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/41531
The shortlink copeid
Casey takes Abu Dhabi crown
Paul Casey almost choked but managed to retain his composure on Sunday as he nervously negotiated the final four holes to end an agonising two-year wait for a win. The Englishman, returning to the scene where he last tasted victory two years ago, was a relieved man as he lifted the Falcon Trophy with a 21 under par total of 267.
Defending champion Martin Kaymer shot a five under 67 and South African Louis Oosthuizen, an eight under 64, to finish tied for second place with an aggregate 20 under 268 according to a report in "Gulf News."
What should have been a comfortable cruise home for Casey, after he had mustered a six-shot lead with six holes to play, ended on a thrilling note as the drama unfolded late afternoon.
Starting with a four stroke lead over Kaymer, Casey seemed to be in control with two quick birdies in the very first two holes.
Two more birdies on the 6th and 8th saw the three-time Ryder Cup star move further up.
He started with a birdie on the back nine and despite a bogey in the next was still five shots ahead.
Meanwhile, Oosthuizen had moved ahead of Kaymer and came within three strokes of the leader with three holes to play.
At that stage he had shot seven birdies.
It was after this that Casey showed signs of choking and why not, one would want to ask, given that he had not won in 35 European Tour events since his triumph on this very National Course in 2007! Two successive bogies in the par four 13th and 14th saw the recently-married Casey drop to 21 under, with four holes to play.
While Kaymer just kept steady playing alongside Casey and paring most of the back nine, Oosthuizen finished his round with a birdie and was one behind Casey, who now was under pressure.
With the final two holes to play, Casey just needed to par them, like he did in 15th and 16th.
Kaymer, on 18 under, at this point needed to pick up three shots to catch the leader and stay in contention for the mouth-watering prize money, valued at USUS$2 million (Dh7.34 million.
With eight wins under his belt and playing in his 165th European Tour event, his task was clearly cut out for him.
Casey managed to par the 17th but Kaymer added some more intrigue to the gripping drama when he somehow managed to eagle the final hole!
Kaymer and Oosthuizen were level on 20 under and the large crowd went silent as Casey lined up his putt shot, fourth on the par five final hole.
Oosthuizen kept sipping as he awaited Casey's final charge and the Englishman, stayed cool as he easily finished off play and clinched victory.
Another Englishman Anthony Wall finished 4th while triple-Major winner Padraig Harrington and the young Rory McIlroy found themselves tied in 5th place with Swede Johan Edfors.
World No 2 Sergio Garcia, meanwhile, matched Oosthuizen's 64 to climb into a tie for eighth with Danny Willett of England.
Defending champion Martin Kaymer shot a five under 67 and South African Louis Oosthuizen, an eight under 64, to finish tied for second place with an aggregate 20 under 268 according to a report in "Gulf News."
What should have been a comfortable cruise home for Casey, after he had mustered a six-shot lead with six holes to play, ended on a thrilling note as the drama unfolded late afternoon.
Starting with a four stroke lead over Kaymer, Casey seemed to be in control with two quick birdies in the very first two holes.
Two more birdies on the 6th and 8th saw the three-time Ryder Cup star move further up.
He started with a birdie on the back nine and despite a bogey in the next was still five shots ahead.
Meanwhile, Oosthuizen had moved ahead of Kaymer and came within three strokes of the leader with three holes to play.
At that stage he had shot seven birdies.
It was after this that Casey showed signs of choking and why not, one would want to ask, given that he had not won in 35 European Tour events since his triumph on this very National Course in 2007! Two successive bogies in the par four 13th and 14th saw the recently-married Casey drop to 21 under, with four holes to play.
While Kaymer just kept steady playing alongside Casey and paring most of the back nine, Oosthuizen finished his round with a birdie and was one behind Casey, who now was under pressure.
With the final two holes to play, Casey just needed to par them, like he did in 15th and 16th.
Kaymer, on 18 under, at this point needed to pick up three shots to catch the leader and stay in contention for the mouth-watering prize money, valued at USUS$2 million (Dh7.34 million.
With eight wins under his belt and playing in his 165th European Tour event, his task was clearly cut out for him.
Casey managed to par the 17th but Kaymer added some more intrigue to the gripping drama when he somehow managed to eagle the final hole!
Kaymer and Oosthuizen were level on 20 under and the large crowd went silent as Casey lined up his putt shot, fourth on the par five final hole.
Oosthuizen kept sipping as he awaited Casey's final charge and the Englishman, stayed cool as he easily finished off play and clinched victory.
Another Englishman Anthony Wall finished 4th while triple-Major winner Padraig Harrington and the young Rory McIlroy found themselves tied in 5th place with Swede Johan Edfors.
World No 2 Sergio Garcia, meanwhile, matched Oosthuizen's 64 to climb into a tie for eighth with Danny Willett of England.
