Christy O'Conner wins at first attempt

Christy O'Connor Jnr won the Senior British Open at Royal Portrush after a magnificent final round of 69 for a three stroke victory.

In emotional scenes, the 50-year-old Irishman won the title with a six under par total of 282 at his first attempt, much to the delight of the home fans.

O'Connor Jnr started the final round a shot behind Charles but moved ahead for the first time when the New Zealander, the only left-hander to have won the Open, ran up a triple bogey on the par five sixth.

Although the 63-year-old, twice a former winner, fought back with a birdie on the ninth and then an eagle on the tenth, his chance of a third title disappeared with a string of missed putts from within ten feet over the closing stages. He carded an eight on the final hole.

O'Connor Jnr picked up a brace of birdies on the fifth and sixth. After birdies at the ninth and tenth the Irishman was six under and two clear of the field. A birdie at the 17th moved him three clear and enabled him to enjoy the walk up the 18th to victory.

South African John Bland, runner-up here two years ago when he last played the tournament, shot a final round of 70 to finish second once again while the legendary Gary Player, chasing a record tenth senior major title, dropped three shots in his opening seven holes to fall back to one over par.

Player showed his fighting spirit, coming right back in the chase on three under with a birdie, eagle, birdie run from the ninth.

He finished with a round of 72 for a 286 total of two under par.