Fasth achieves Spanish double

After a tough four days, Niclas Fasth was victorious in the Mallorca Classic. Fasth (pictured) became the first non-Spanish winner of the event with a solid round of two-under-par 68. On five-under-par he finished 3 shots ahead of Sergio Garcia, who also shot a 68, and the victory for Fasth was his second in Spain this season after he took the Andalucia Open de España Valle Romano in April.

After starting the day tied for the lead with Gary Murphy, Fasth never lost his position at the top. Birdies at the 6th, 10th and 14th meant that Fasth always looked in control on the final day, particularly when Garcia missed a good opportunity for back-to-back birdies at the 14th. Great ball striking but a poor putting performance encapsulated Garcia?s season and highlighted why he has failed to convert any of his ten top-10 finishes this season into victories.

This was Fasth?s fifth victory on the European Tour and it moved him to 21st on the money list. This is the second year running he has won twice in a season, after last year's victories in Holden New Zealand Open and The Deutsche Bank Players? Championship of Europe - both in play-offs.

?To be a champion again has a lovely sound to it, I feel great,? said Fasth after his victory.

?I had an average sort of summer but over the past four weeks or so I have felt that my game has been coming together and it is fantastic to win again.?

Although Gary Murphy fell back with a final round of 76 he still did enough to secure his card for next season. After starting the week 118th on the money list (the final place for tour cards) he will undoubtedly be pleased with his week's effort.

Conditions remained tough throughout the week and as a result only four players finished under par. This included Marc Warren who finished tied fourth with Jose Manuel Lara. Warren is a favourite to be named rookie of the year after moving up to 40th in the European Order of Merit.