Darcy loses out in dramatic fashion

EAMONN DARCY missed out on his first European Seniors Tour title in the most dramatic fashion yesterday.

He lost out in a sudden-death play-off to Frenchman Gery Watine after carding a final round of five under par 67 to take the Nokia 9300 Italian Seniors Open into extra holes.

His 67 equalled the course record at Circolo Golf Venezia set by Arnold Palmer and shared with his Seniors Tour colleagues Nick Job, DJ Russell and Watine, but he just could not finish the job as Watine birdied the first play-off hole to take the €25,500 first prize.

Darcy felt that he had no-one but himself to blame for losing out on the title, but is looking forward to taking his current form to America for next week’s US Senior PGA Championship.

“I made a mess of it to be quite honest,” admitted Darcy.

“I hit my approach to the 16th to about two feet and then missed the putt. I don’t know why I did it, but I changed my grip when I was standing over the putt and it just didn’t feel right.

“I hit it and knew that it was missing - it didn’t even touch the hole.

“That really threw me, although I had a good up and down on the 17th and then birdied the 18th, but Gerry didn’t do much wrong and he birdied the play-off hole to win so he deserves the credit.

“But it was me who opened the door for him and he certainly took his chance.

“I will just look forward to next week in America - hopefully I can go one better over there.”