Russian Open :: Horsey shows his steel

Englishman David Horsey produced a late rally to force – and win – a play-off with Ireland’s Damien McGrane to claim the Russian Open.

The 29-year-old was in the lead through 11, however, a double-bogey on the 12^th saw him surrender his advantage.

McGrane made the most of Horsey’s slip up and made three birdies in a row from the 15^th. The Irishman faltered at the last hole, though, making bogey, his only dropped shot of the final round.

Horsey then chipped in at 17 for eagle, which he then followed up with a par, taking the tournament to a play-off in sensational style.

“I’m relieved really – that’s the word that sums it up.” – David Horsey

A par at the first extra-hole was enough to see the Englishman claim the Russian Open at Tseleevo Golf & Polo Club, after McGrane only managed a bogey.

The triumph was Horsey’s third win on tour after victories at the 2010 BMW International Open and the Trophee Hassan II in 2011, and he was ‘relieved’ after the win.

“I knew the chip on 17 had to go in. I knew by that point that I was three behind so I needed it to go in. This is a very special win,” said Horsey.

“I didn’t play that great today. It was a bit scrappy and I wasn’t holing the putts, but I managed to get the job done in the end. I’m relieved really – that’s the word that sums it up.”

Scots finish well at Russian Open

Three Scots finished inside the top-20 at Tseleevo Golf & Polo Club, more than any other nation in the field.

Scott Jamieson was only one shot off making the play-off after he ended the championship on 12-under-par following a final round 69.

Peter Whiteford secured fifth spot on ten-under-par, but will be disappointed having followed up his third round 66 with a three-over-par 75 in round four.

Alastair Forsyth went round in 68, making the Russian Open top-20 on five-under, while Jamie McLeary was a shot further back on four-under-par, leaving him in 24^th spot.