Golf - Wales Open update:Graeme McDowell landed his fifth European Tour title after a storming final round 63 was good enough to secure the Wales Open at Celtic Manor.
The 30-year-old started the day four off the overnight lead held by Marcel Siem, but McDowell went in one direction while the German's ambitions went south.
Siem ran up a quadruple bogey seven at the par three third when he clumsily found water twice. It effectively ended his chances of winning.
McDowell covered the front nine in 30 strokes with no less than six birdies at the TwentyTen Ryder Cup course.
The situation improved with birdies at 10 and 11 to get to 15 under 206.
He remained composed to par the last seven holes and ensure the three shot margin between himself and home favourite Rhys Davies.
McDowell’s win earned him the top cheque for €350,940 and further enhances his chances of making Colin Montgomerie’s Ryder Cup team to take on the Americans at the same venue in October.
"I'm ecstatic, that first 11 holes was dream golf," beamed McDowell after his round. "I've been playing like this for a long time but just haven't been able to put it all together. It's always great to get over the line."
The Welshman gave the crowds plenty to cheer about with a course record 62 that contained two eagles, six birdies and one dropped shot at the difficult 16th to finish on 12 under 272.
"I really enjoyed that today," said Davies after his round. "I felt very relaxed and comfortable out there."
"It's a pity couldn't pick up birdies at the end but it's such a difficult finish where pars are a good score. I had a 59 in my head at one stage but I quickly put those thoughts aside."
Luke Donald closed with a 65 to be tied third on 10 under alongside Scotland's Stephen Gallacher, who had one hole to play.
Peter Lawrie and Damien McGrane were next of the Irish after both carded level par 71s to finish two under. Gareth Maybin made up some ground with a 68 to get to one under.
Darren Clarke (73) and Shane Lowry (74) ended their weeks on two over, with both now heading to Sunningdale for tomorrow's British Open qualifying.
Simon Thornton shot his second 73 of the weekend and dropped further down the field to five over.