Golf: Dier wins North of Ireland Open

Tobias Dier from Germany has won the £220,000 North of Ireland Open at

Slieve Russell with a four rounds total of 17-under-par after a determined

fightback by playing partner Stephen Dodd from Wales.

With two holes to play three strokes seperated the pair but a two holes

swing at the 17th changed the picture. Dier made bogey five, Dodd made

birdie three and it was down to the last hole where Dodd almost forced a

play-off. Dier was 25 feet from the flag in two shots, Dodd was only 15 feet

away. Dier lagged his putt to a couple of feet before Dodd's eagle effort

slid past leaving the German little more than a tap in for victory.

This is Dier's first ever victory in pro golf and it secures him his

European Tour Card until the end of 2002.

"The next thing is to win a big event on the European Tour - maybe one in

Germany," said the 24-year-old winner

Dodd finished with a round of 69 to be 16-under-par - two shots ahead of

another Welshman Mark Pinkington who took third place.

Best of the Irish is David Higgins in joint 6th place at 10-under with

Damian McGrane seven-under, Gary Murphy six-under, Des Smyth three-under,

Francis Howley level par and John Dignam five over.