Forsyth storms back to win

Scotland’s Alastair Forsyth came from five behind to beat South African Hennie Otto at the first hole of a play-off for the Madeira Islands Open today.

The 32-year-old from Glasgow, who did not make a single halfway cut in his first five starts of the year, fired a closing 67 to take full advantage of Otto’s worst round of the week.

Seeking his first European title – he was not even the holder of a full Tour card entering the tournament – Otto followed three opening rounds of 67 with only a level-par 72.

Forsyth, whose one previous victory came after a play-off with Australian Stephen Leaney in Malaysia six years ago, could have taken the first prize of almost €115,000 without the need for sudden death.

Seven birdies and two bogeys in his first 14 holes put him one ahead, but he bogeyed the short 17th and then both he and Otto birdied the 386-yard 18th to tie on the 15-under-par mark of 273, four clear of England’s Gary Clark.

For Forsyth it was the fourth time out of four that he had birdied the final hole during the tournament – and he then made it five out of five to capture the trophy.

Clark was the other member of the final group and his closing birdie was important too, putting him third on his own at 11 under. The 36-year-old Londoner’s best-ever finish on the circuit earned him £33,693 (€43,000).

Ireland's Peter Lawrie finished on -6, tied in 10th place.