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Paul McGinley produced a final round 67 at the ISPS Handa Wales Open got under way.
On a week that has heralded the start of qualification of next year’s contest with the Americans, McGinley was looking to secure the best possible personal finish at The Celtic Manor Resort.
The 46-year-old made a good start in his attempts to do just that as, having resumed on three over par, he picked up five shots in the opening 11 holes.
Two bogeys came either side of a birdie thereafter as McGinley ended four under for the round and one under overall. Behind the European Ryder Cup capatn the younger guns played for the major honours in Wales.
Grégory Bourdy found the Midas touch on the greens to produce a stunning finish that sealed victory at the ISPS Handa Wales Open.
Joint-top with overnight leader Peter Uihlein after 15 holes, the Frenchman made a decisive move in the closing stages of his round.
Having holed a 50 footer from just off the green on the difficult 16th, he picked up another shot by draining a tricky one from 15 at the next.
The Celtic Manor Resort's par five last proved no obstacle as Bourdy ridiculously sunk a 30 footer for another birdie to complete a 67 that moved him to eight under par.
"It was an amazing round," he said. "I made an amazing finish with three birdies in a row and I am so happy.
"I will remember the finish on this great course for a long time. A lot of great moments have been here; I was thinking about the Ryder Cup on the 18th so I am so proud to win this trophy."
Bourdy's efforts meant America’s Uihlein had to settle for second place having struggled to make full use of the three stroke advantage he held at the start of the day.
He had initially indicated that a comfortable day might be in the offing.
Indeed, the 23 year old birdied the second to signal his confidence, only to drop shots at the next two holes; his bogey at three was a positive result given he holed a 45 footer to avoid a double.
Pars thereafter meant he was six under overall midway through his final round.
Uihlein was to atone for a bogey just after the turn on 15 but, despite retaking the lead with that gain, he had no answer for Bourdy’s late heroics.
For his own part, Uihlein threatened to finish equally impressively, himself showing fine touch with the short stick at 17 for birdie.
However, Bourdy’s final mammoth effort in an outstanding run of three would prove decisive as Uihlein settled bogeyed the last.
The Frenchman, for whom this victory is a fourth on The European Tour, had earlier shared the lead following an eagle three at the second, brought about by him holing from the sand.
But, having relinquished top spot when failing to get up and down from 84 yards at the sixth, he found a birdie at nine to rejoin Uihlein.
His competitor responded impressively thereafter to assume control once more, only for Bourdy to find the perfect riposte.
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