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Sadelin breaks winless
spell
Jarmo Sandelin won his first title on the European Tour in more than two years
with victory in the $1.5-million Asian Open.
The Swede, who was a stroke off the lead at the start of the final day, hit a
four-under-par 68 to beat Spain's Jose Maria Olazabal and Thailand's Thongchai
Jaidee by one shot.
Sandelin finished on 10-under-par 278 to win the co-sanctioned event, the penultimate
tournament on the Asian PGA Tour and the first stop on the 2002 European Tour
schedule.
Olazabal and Thongchai both hit 67s on Sunday.
"This morning I felt very focused and when I get that feeling I know I
have a chance," said the 34-year-old Sandelin, whose last victory came at
the 1999 German Open. "I hope I will have that feeling more often.
"It's been two years of a lot of struggling. From now on I am going to
take it one week at a time. Last season I finished 100th in the rankings so this
season I want to take the two zeroes off."
Sandelin began the final round playing in the group behind Thongchai but opted
to play through when the Thai player's group were hunting for a ball on the 14th.
"I made a decision on the 14th to play through but later I realised that
was a mistake as it is better to be behind the man who is chasing you than to
be in front of him," said Sandelin.
The Swede dropped a shot on the 16th to fall back to 10 under par, one stroke
ahead of Thongchai. Olazabal, playing further ahead, took the clubhouse lead thanks
to an excellent birdie on the par-three 18th.
Sandelin finished with two pars and then endured an anxious wait as he watched
Thongchai playing the 18th.
But the Thai's birdie attempt from 30 feet stopped just short.
"It was a little disappointing but it feels great to finish second,"
said Thongchai.
Olazabal was also happy with a share of second place and his prize money of
$129,920.
"My driving was very good, I wish it could be like this every week,"
Olazabal said.
"What I have been working on all year long was to strike the ball like
I did this week. I hope I can play like this more often."
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