Switzerland: Garcia back in lead after stunning finish

Just when it looked as though he had gifted world number 433 Garry Houston the lead with a round to play in the Omega European Masters in Switzerland, world number six Sergio Garcia produced a moment of magic.

And not only did Garcia’s 111-yard shot into the final hole for an eagle two take him back to the top in this the first qualifying event for next year’s Ryder Cup, it also pushed into the shade a stunning run into contention by defending champion Luke Donald.

Five months after playing the last eight holes of his Masters debut in six under par, Donald covered the closing four at Crans-sur-Sierre in five under with three birdies and an 85-yard pitch into the cup for an eagle two of his own at the 17th.

But because of Garcia’s grandstand finish – moments after he had three-putted from barely 10 feet for a double bogey six – it is the Spanish star who remains favourite for the €284,000 first prize.

Welshman Houston, however, had kept alive his dream of totally transforming a career which so far has seen him make 10 trips to the European Tour qualifying school and never finish higher than fourth in any event.

Houston, currently 126th on the Order of Merit and in danger of losing his card again, outscored Garcia by two with a 69 and if he can do the same over the concluding 18 holes the winner’s cheque and a two-year exemption could well be his.

Houston is now sandwiched between the two Ryder Cup partners on 10 under par, with Denmark’s Anders Hansen joint third with Donald.

Peter Lawrie is best of the Irish at -1 after today's round. Damien McGrane is on par.

Garcia, who had been three clear at halfway, commented: “What a day. I was a bit disgusted coming off the 17th, but the lob wedge on the last spun back nicely and went in.

“There is no way I can play worse tomorrow than I did today. I felt like an eight-year-old again. But the good thing is that as much as I struggled I am still in the lead and I’ve just got to play as I did Thursday and Friday.”

Houston said: "It was quite a dramatic finish, bizarre really. But I am quite proud of the way I played. I got a huge break on the 10th when I went over the green, hit a TV tower, came back to 50 feet and holed it.”

Asked if he enjoyed the atmosphere the Flintshire golfer, never in the final group before, replied: “Compared to what I’ve had it was a circus. That’s what you practice for and it was nice to control my emotions and play pretty well.

“I suppose I thrived on it and to shoot that kind of score playing with him was good. Luke Donald as well tomorrow. Here they come – thick and fast.”

Garcia double-bogeyed the fourth and had bogeys at the relatively easy seventh and 14th, but in addition to his eagle there were birdies at the first, sixth, 10th and 15th.

Donald, staying with Garcia as he did last year, was eight behind prior to a birdie at the 12th.

“I’d given Sergio a little nudge after yesterday to say ‘keep watching that leaderboard, I’ll try too sneak my way up there,”’ Donald said.

“I’m right back in it, but I’m a little fatigued. I’ve never played five events in a row before and I’m looking to a week off and recuperate a little bit before the World Match Play.”

Jean Van de Velde had partnered Garcia and Houston today, but he fell away with a 75 – and it included more water trouble on the 18th.

The Frenchman, who blew the 1999 Open with a closing triple bogey seven at Carnoustie, led the French Open in June before finding a lake at the 72nd hole and then again in a play-off.

This time his double bogey six did not matter so much. He had already dropped off the leaderboard.

Paul Casey, looking as if his summer slump really is behind him, shot his second 67 of the week and this time did it playing with Ryder Cup captain Ian Woosnam. Casey is four behind with a round to go.