Date: January 15, 2007
Author: Sportal

Ariel Canete claims Joburg

Sportal Argentine Ariel Canete has fired a final round 67 to claim the Joburg Open by two strokes ahead of South African Andrew McLardy, with Aussie Terry Pilkadaris coming home strong in a tie for eighth. Pilkadaris, who was one shot off the lead after the second round blew his chances of victory with a disastrous five bogeys in his opening nine holes in his third round. But he recovered well to post a solid four-under in his final round to finish the tournament at -11, eight-shots off the lead. Fellow Aussie Matthew Zions carded an indifferent final round of one-over 72 after being in contention for a top 10 finish at the start of the day. Canete left his charge to victory late as he birdied three of the last four holes. The 31-year old attributed his consistent putting and local knowledge as key factors that got him over the line.