Harrington claims second place in French Open

England’s John Bickerton survived a late wobble to win the £458,000 (€662,000) first prize at the French Open after holding off New Zealand’s Michael Campbell and Ireland’s Padraig Harrington.

The Droitwich golfer, leading by three with four to play, hit his approach to the 399-yard 15th into the water and double-bogeyed to see his lead cut to one at 11 under.

He then missed the 17th green to the right but executed a perfect chip to seven feet and then holed a nervy putt for par.

Bickerton, who led on the first two days, teed off on the 18th knowing Harrington held the clubhouse lead at 10 under after birdies at his last two holes.

Playing partner Campbell, also on 10 under, dumped his approach into the lake after coming up six feet short to end his challenge and the 36-year-old Bickerton calmly two-putted from 25 feet.

The huge first prize catapulted Bickerton, who lost a play-off to Niclas Fasth at the Andalucia Open in April, into 10th in the Ryder Cup rankings.