Howell clinches second euro title

England’s David Howell today claimed a long overdue second European Tour title in the BMW International Open.

Howell carded a final round 65 in Munich for a 23 under par total and his first victory since the Dubai Desert Classic in 1999.

The 30-year-old from Swindon finished one shot ahead of former Open champion John Daly and Australian Brett Rumford, with Sweden’s Niclas Fasth and Dane Soren Kjeldsen a shot further back.

Overnight leader Luke Donald slumped to a 73 to drop into a share of 11th place.

Howell began the final round a shot behind playing partner Donald and three-putted the third for a bogey.

But the Ryder Cup star then embarked on a stunning run of eight birdies in 10 holes from the fifth to move into a lead he would never relinquish.

Daly had the chance to possibly force a play-off but missed from five feet for a birdie on the 18th, leaving Howell the luxury of par at the final two holes for victory.

The £225,000 first prize ensured Howell’s place in the HSBC World Match Play at Wentworth next month – with a first prize of £1m – along with Ireland’s Paul McGinley who finished sixth.