Germany's Alex Cejka found himself back in the winner's circle after seven years when he won the Lancome Trophy today at Saint-Nom-La-Bretèche, near Paris today.
The 32-year-old shot a closing three-under 68 to finish at 12-under 272 for the tournament and two clear of his nearest rival Carlos Rodiles of Spain.
Cejka began the day tied at nine-under with Dutchman Maarten Lafeber but never looked like losing the lead and when he birdied the par-five 16th to move to 12-under, and two clear, the €239,640 winner's cheque was his.
It was heartbreak for Lafeber who saw it all fall apart on the 16th. While Cejka was picking up a shot, Lafeber bogeyed and slipped back down the leaderboard and out of contention.
Former world number one Ian Woosnam, playing in the final group with Lafeber and Cejka, was never able to mount any kind of challenge.
When he put his tee shot in the water at the par-three 18th, he could only give a wry smile and wonder what might have been.
Mark Pilkington, playing in only his fourth season, set a new course record with a near flawless nine-under 62. He carded nine birdies with only a single bogey to blemish his card.
The 24-year-old needed only 28 putts to shoot the lowest round of his career. Defending champion Sergio Garcia could only manage a two-under 69 to finish eight-under for the championship.
Yet again the Irish trio failed to find form despite improving on yesterday's woes.Ryder Cup hero Paul McGinley and veteran Des Smyth both finished on two-under following rounds of 71 and 71 respectively.
Nothern Ireland's GraemeMcDowell was unable to recover from a 78 24 hours ago but the 23-year-old rookie closed with a level par 71 to finish five-over. AFP