Lawrie storms to five shot win

Scotland's Paul Lawrie eased to a five-shot victory in the Wales Open on Sunday, closing with a two-under-par 70 to clinch the fifth European Tour title of his career.

The 1999 British Open champion, joint runner-up in the event last year, could afford to bogey the par-three 14th and still finish well clear of second-placed John Bickerton of England, who fired a 70.

The 33-year-old Lawrie, who had to play 36 holes on the final day of the rain-hit tournament, completes the four rounds at 16-under-par 272.

Finland's Mikko Ilonen, who birdied the last for a 70, was third at 10-under 278 while South Africa's Martin Maritz, who carded a 72, was a further shot back in a share of fourth with Australia's Lucas Parsons (72).

Defending champion Paul McGinley of Ireland bogeyed two of the last four holes on his way to a 71 and a share of fifth at eight under.

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