Finn’s triumph inspired by Kaymer

Taking Martin Kaymer’s US Open victory as his inspiration, Mikko Ilonen celebrated his wire-to-wire Irish Open win last night as a major progression along the road to his career goals.

The Finn, who won by one shot from Italy’s Edoardo Molinari at Fota Island Resort in Cork yesterday, was taking victory in his stride as he collected his fourth European Tour victory that could lift him into the world rankings top 50 and a cheque for €333,330 that will elevate him to 11th in the Race To Dubai standings.

One more step along the path to his objective, the 34-year-old explaining: “My goal has been world rankings-based and it still is. I set up my goals three years ago, when I was off for six months or eight months because of ankle surgery.