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HONG KONG - Miguel Angel Jimenez said his first golf tournament victory in two years at the Hong Kong Open proved that he still has what it takes to beat his younger rivals on the European Tour.
The Spaniard, who turned professional a quarter of a century ago,
had not tasted victory since the 2005 Welsh Open before his one-stroke victory at the co-sanctioned event, which he also won in 2004.
"It's always a special feeling when you win a tournament," the 43-year-old told reporters yesterday. "That proves to me that the ball is still going the right way and it's still there."
For the second time in three years, Jimenez was able to snatch a thrilling victory at the Fanling course courtesy of an error by his playing partner on the final hole.
In 2004, it was South African James Kingston who hooked a shot and had to take a drop shot, while on Sunday Swede Robert Karlsson fluffed a chip up a bank at the last to allow Jimenez to claim the title with a closing bogey.
"I feel sorry for Robert with the way it finished, he played so good all week," he said. "He had a double bogey at the last, and it's not the best way to finish."
Going into the final day in second place four shots behind Karlsson, Jimenez had an up and down front nine with three birdies and three bogeys.
It was not until the 12th that he managed to get any real momentum going and even an eagle three at the 13th still left him trailing Karlsson.
"When I made that one, I felt 'well ... a few shots, a few holes to go, keep focused on the shots', and it happened," he said.
Another birdie at the 16th drew him level with Karlsson.
Despite Karlsson's poor chip at the last, Jimenez took three putts to finish and so left his rival with a final chance to claim a bogey and force a playoff.
"When I missed mine, I still know that I've got a chance because it's not an easy putt and he could miss that one," he said.
Jimenez's 14th European Tour title will boost his chances of a fourth appearance at the Ryder Cup next September.
New Zealand's Mahal Pearce shot 74 to finish in a share of 40th on two-under 278.
- REUTERS
