Smyth secures Champions Tour victory

Hours after Padraig Harrington captured his first PGA Tour title at the Honda Classic, Des Smyth carded a four-under-par 68 for a one-shot victory at the Champions Tour’s SBC Classic.

Smyth finished at five-under 211 and edged Mark McNulty and DA Weibring to pick up £117,000 (€167,281).

Smyth’s previous best Champions Tour showing was a tie for second at the 2003 ACE Group Classic.

He drained three birdies on each nine to vault from a tie for seventh to the top of the leaderboard.

McNulty had a chance to force a play-off on the 18th hole but could not convert. With Smyth watching on a monitor, McNulty slid a long birdie putt just past the hole on the right side and the Irishman let out a long sigh of relief.

Weibring carded an even-par 72 while McNulty struggled to a two-over 74 on the 6,905-yard Valencia Country Club course.