Mason a step closer to winning tour order of merit

CARL MASON’S dream of winning the 2003 European Seniors Tour Order of Merit moved a step closer when he defeated Spain’s Manuel Pinero on the 20th hole of an epic second round match at The Daily Telegraph/Turismo Andaluz Seniors Matchplay Championship at the Los Flamingos Golf Club near Marbella, Spain.

Mason squeezed past his Spanish rival when he two-putted from 40-feet for a birdie on the 536 yard par five 20th hole and moments later got another boost when he learned that two of his nearest rivals for the money title had gone out in the second round.

“This has been a good day for me,” the Englishman said after studying the other results. “It’s always difficult to beat Manuel because he has such a good short game and it feels even better now that I know both Bill Longmuir and John Chillas have gone out. I think it’s time for a cool beer to celebrate.”