Date: May 27, 2013
Author: Omnisport

Manassero wins BMW PGA Championship

Italian Matteo Manassero claimed the BMW PGA Championship title with a play-off victory over Simon Khan and Marc Warren on Sunday. The trio all finished at 10 under after their four rounds of golf at the Wentworth Club in Surrey, forcing a play-off at the European Tour event. Scotsman Warren bombed out after the first hole though, with a poor drive into the trees ending his contribution at the tournament. Youngster Manassero and Englishman Khan were then locked in a battle for a further three play-off holes, with the latter eventually finding the water, giving the Italian the upper hand. And the 20-year-old capitalised on his advantage, hitting a superb approach before sinking a two-foot putt to win the title as he became the youngest ever winner of the tournament. “I feel unbelievable, really emotional,” Manassero said. “It&aposs been an amazing week. I have always felt something really special about this place and this tournament. Everything has come together this week. I managed to play well and managed to stay in contention after a tough day on Friday and pulled it off with this play-off. “I am the happiest man in the world right now.” Earlier, Khan was the star man as he carded six birdies in a blemish-free round of 66, storming up the leaderboard in the process. Manassero hit five birdies and two bogeys in a 69, while Warren shot the same, with his highlight being four successive birdies from holes 10 to 13. Spanish pair Miguel Angel Jimenez and Alejandro Canizares finished in a tie for fourth on an overall score of nine under. Jimenez carded a five under 67, finishing with an eagle, while Canizares who was the overnight leader shot a disappointing 72. South African veteran Ernie Els joined compatriot James Kingston and Englishman Eddie Pepperell at eight under in a tie for sixth, with Els the best of the trio thanks to a five under 67. World number 12 Lee Westwood of England, Scotsman Richie Ramsay and Italian Francesco Molinari finished at seven under, tied for ninth.