Coles denies Jacklin centre stage

Neil Coles, who becomes a pensioner next month, snatched his 12th seniors title with a closing 68 for a one-shot victory in the Energis Senior Masters over Wentworth's Edinburgh course on Sunday.

The veteran former Ryder Cup player once again demonstrated his enduring competitive talent on the way to an 11-under-par total of 205.

A delicate, curling downhill putt of 25 feet on the 18th set up a solid par four to pip Scotland's David Huish, who had finished with a 68 for 206.

Coles' victory, which earned him £25,000, denied centre stage to playing partner Tony Jacklin, who was bidding to end his competitive tournament career with a first European seniors success. But the former Ryder Cup captain had to settle for a 71 and a share of fourth spot on seven-under-par 209.

Italy's Alberto Croce, who led Coles overnight by three at 10 under, managed a 74 to claim third spot on 208.

Jacklin, had chosen the lovely golfing arena of Wentworth's Edinburgh course for his final act in a competitive career embracing 29 titles worldwide, seven Ryder Cup appearances and four stints as European team captain.

A final victory in front of a 5,000 crowd was his aim. But he said he woke at 4.30am worrying about it and he was "too tense" as he battled alongside Coles with a closing 71 and a share of fourth place on seven-under 209.

He said: "I'm glad it's all over. I think the word is relief. I have no regrets about giving up tournament golf. I don't have to sweat over any more short putts and will not miss a thing, especially the tension of tournament golf."

Jacklin was impressed with Coles' calm control and "beautiful" putting stroke.

"I wish I could be like that, but I have had to resort to the long-handled putter and, really, it is only a prop for people who putt badly."

In contrast to Jacklin, Coles said: "I have no intention of giving up. I'm not bothered by tension, it's a question of control technique. I have adopted a new putting stroke and it has worked all week. I'm absolutely delighted."