Eric Carlberg claimed his
first victory after six years as a professional, winning the Challenge de Espana,
the opening tournament on this year's 2000 European Challenge Tour.
The 25-year-old Swede led
the entire way and went into the final round nine strokes ahead of the field.
The large lead enabled Carlberg to win despite shooting an even-par 72 in the
final round. He finished at 17-under-par 271 to collect the top prize.
Spain's Carlos Rodiles
shot a round-best 66 to finish 12-under-par 276 to put him in second place while
another Spaniard, Francis Valera, finished 11-under-par 277.
It has been a happy return
for Carlberg, who left Spain and the European Tour School three months ago with
low morale. However, two months rest followed by a fortnight of practising in
the Florida sunshine provided the perfect springboard for his Challenge de Espana
triumph.
Telford's Carl Watts, who
mounted a challenge to Carlberg at the halfway point, shot 70 to share fifth
place at 279 with Dorset's Lee James, who carded a second successive 68.
