Gronberg wins with last hole birdie

Sweden's Mathias Gronberg won a four-way dog-fight with a birdie on the final hole to become the sixth foreigner to win the South African Open on Sunday.

A thrilling finale, which saw the lead constantly changing hands on the inward nine, ended with Gronberg birdying the 18th to finish clear of Zimbabwean Nick Price, Argentina's Ricardo Gonzalez and overnight leader Darren Fichardt.

South Africa's Fichardt nearly forced a play-off when he narrowly missed an eagle with a 90-metre chip, but still managed a birdie to take a share of the runners-up spot.

Price took the lead after 13 holes but dropped a shot at the 17th, before sinking a 20-foot putt on the 18th to take the lead in the clubhouse. But in the end it wasn't enough.

It was the 29-year-old Gronberg's third European Tour victory after he had started the day five shots behind Fichardt.

Following a first nine of two-under par 34, he carded a closing nine of 33 including that crucial birdie on the 18th that secured him victory.

"Putting was the key, especially at the par-four seventh where I saved par," said Gronberg. "Obviously I am very happy."

Gronberg and the rest of the field had to endure a three-hour thunderstorm delay that disrupted much of the afternoon and looked set to force the tournament into an extra day. But it was a delay that favoured the Swede.

The Swede said: "After I bogeyed at five and six the rain came. It was very convenient for me and my wife, Tara, and we were talking about how I made the bogeys and I had to relax and come out and play good golf. And that's what I did."

The early pace was set by young South African Tjaart van der Walt, who hit a six-under par 66 that included six birdies with one drop. Only Denmark's Steen Tinning scored better, carding a seven-under 65.

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