BBC SPORT | Golf | Mednick ends long wait

NW of Ireland Open leaderboard

Sweden's Adam Mednick won his first European Tour title in the North West of Ireland Open at Ballyliffin on Sunday.

Mednick carded a final round 68 for a seven under total of 281 and five-shot victory over former Ryder Cup players Costantino Rocca and Andrew Coltart.

Swede Anders Forsbrand and France's Jean-Francois Lucquin were a shot further back in joint fourth place.

Mednick, who feared his career could be over after suffering a back injury in 1995, was among 29 players who had to finish their third rounds on Sunday morning.

However, he played a superb last five holes to sign for a 69.

The 35-year-old then picked up two birdies in his first four holes to move into a lead he would never relinquish as he won his first title in 12 years on the European Tour.

Costantino Rocca was on the leaderboard all week
Rocca: Five behind the winner

He finished in style with birdies at the 17th and 18th to claim the �37,000 first prize and one-year tour exemption.

"This means the world to me," said Mednick whose great-grandparents emigrated from Russia to America.

"I've not been getting many starts this year, but now I can plan my season and next year as well.

"I've been playing well all year long and it's been building up.

"I told a friend last week to put some money on me and I hope he did and got good odds."

Coltart closed with a 67 that was just one shot outside the course record he set in the second round.

Rocca bogeyed the last to slip back alongside the Scot and was so upset after his poor drive that he swung his driver in anger and caught playing partner Lucquin on the foot.

Final leaderboard from the North West of Ireland Open, Ballyliffin (Gbr and Irl unless stated):

-7 Adam Mednick (Swe) (after 72 holes)
-2 Costantino Rocca (Ita) (72) Andrew Coltart (72)
-1 Anders Forsbrand (Swe) (72) Jean-Francois Lucquin (Fra) (72) Adam Crawford (Aus) (72) Philip Walton (72) Massimo Florioli (Ita) (72)


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