Canete wins Joburg Open for first European tour title
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa -- Ariel Canete birdied three of the final four holes to win the Joburg Open by two strokes Sunday, giving the 31-year-old Argentine his first European tour title.
Canete closed with a 67 for a 19-under 266 and a winner's purse of $204,861, more than he won in the last two seasons combined on the European circuit. The victory also gives him a three-year exemption on the tour.
After being forced off the course at the turn Saturday due to thunderstorms with a one-stroke lead, Canete and 35 others returned early Sunday to finish their rounds. He birdied eight of the 27 remaining holes -- with one bogey -- to hold off South Africa's Andrew McLardy.
McLardy closed with a 68 for a 17-under 268 and matched his best performance on the full European tour, a runner-up finish in Madeira in 2005.
McLardy was one stroke ahead of fellow South African Hennie Otto, who closed with a 67. Compatriots Alex Haindl (70) and Mark Murless (68) were another three strokes back at 13 under.
Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press
