McGrane loses out in play-off

Russian Open: England’s David Horsey recovered from a front-nine collapse to force a play-off against Damien McGrane before pushing on to victory at the Russian Open.

The Irishman had cut through the pack with seven birdies, but bogeyed the 18th as Horsey found a birdie and an eagle in his last four holes.

Only one hole was needed in the playoff. McGrane found the greenside bunker on 18 before missing his putt from 10 feet, and Horsey wrapped up his third European Tour win with a two-putt.

Horsey, who carded 72 on Sunday, admitted he thought he had let the prize money slip through his fingers.

“Relieved is the word that sums it up. I had a bit of a mare on a couple of holes over the back nine and didn’t really know where I was in the tournament until 17.

“I suddenly realised I was only three behind but needed to do something drastic. I managed to chip in and, while I was trying to make birdie at the last, I didn’t realise he’d dropped one.

“I got up and down to get in the play-off and I was fortunate to win that.”

McGrane told the European Tour website: “I played lovely all week so I’m very pleased.

“I’m a little disappointed not to do better in the play-off there, but I’ve hit good shots all week and putted reasonably well.

“I can push on for the rest of the season with my card secure.”