Raphael Jacquelin thrashes Anthony Wall to win the Sicilian Open – Golf update
Frenchman Raphael Jacquelin overcame the Englishman Anthony Wall to lift the Sicilian Open on Monday at Donnafugata Golf Resort & Spa. Jacquelin, who had gained an early lead over his competitors early yesterday, was one shot ahead of Wall when the match
had to be abandoned at the 12th hole because of worsening weather conditions. With this win, Jacquelin has finally broken the long dry spell of his career as his last win came around four years back in 2007 when he won the BMW Asia Open.
"It was a good fight, but there's only one winner and I am happy it's me," Jacquelin said later when talking to the reporters. "I've played pretty well since 2007 and I feel I am still improving, even at 36, so maybe it's time to win a bigger one.”
It was an easy win for the Frenchman. Wall continuously kept challenging Jacquelin’s one shot lead from the previous day as he birdied the first hole on Monday to level the lead. Jacquelin forged his way back by birdying the next, but again lost the lead
when Wall birdied the 16th. As the match progressed neck to neck, Wall double bogeyed the 17th, giving a two shot lead to Jacquelin. The 36-year-old Jacquelin went ahead to grab the title, although Wall tried to force a playoff when he birdied
the 18th but fell one shot behind.
"I was feeling a bit tired and Anthony put the pressure on me, but I made a good four on the last," Jacquelin said.
A disappointed Wall said, “It's a real shame for me, but for one bad swing that was only half a bad swing I may have been the winner, but we pushed each other all the way and I'm pleased with my game."
Jacquelin is one of the most celebrated golfers in France and has achieved the highest rankings for the country in the 2007-2008 season. He is a 14 year veteran on the after turning professional in 1995. This is his third win on a professional tour with
his first one coming in 2005 at the Open De Madrid in Spain. He also takes along with him the winner’s bounty of $235,000.
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