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CRANS MONTANA, Switzerland: Miguel Angel Jimenez won the European Masters title on Sunday to become the fifth member of Europe's Ryder Cup team to clinch a title in the last month.
The 46-year-old Spaniard defeated Ryder Cup teammate Edoardo Molinari by three shots, overcoming a late scare when the Italian slashed his lead from six to one stroke over the last seven holes.
However, Molinari's challenge fizzled out with a bogey at the 16th while Jimenez closed with par-birdie-par to seal his 18th career title, 11 of which have come since he turned 40.
His win follows morale-boosting wins for Ryder Cup teammates Ross Fisher at the Irish Open, Martin Kaymer in the US PGA Championship, Peter Hanson at the Czech Open and Molinari in last week's Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles.
Jimenez finished with a four under par 67 and 21 under total of 263 for his third title of the season.
"I made a good recovery at the 16th - that was probably the key to the day," said Jimenez who hit the trees with his drive.
"I love to come here. It's not only my two times second, it's the amount of times I have finished top ten and been in contention, so it means a lot."
Molinari's 17-year-old compatriot Matteo Manassero came third on 16 under following a 68 and secured a European Tour card for next season in six starts as a professional.
"I am a full member for the first time. It was my goal and what I wanted to do and now I am here," said last year's British Amateur Champion.
Teenage South Korean star Noh Seung-yul produced an impressive fourth place finish to widen his lead on the Asian Tour's Order of Merit.
The 19-year-old carded a four-under-par 67 for a 13-under-par 271 total, eight shots behind Jimenez.
Noh, who impressed Australian legend Greg Norman after playing together in the first two rounds, shot seven birdies against three bogeys and finished four shots ahead of second-ranked Marcus Fraser of Australia, who settled for joint 16th place in the event co-sanctioned by the Asian Tour and European Tour.
- AFP/de
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