Jaidee able to keep Storm at bay to surpass Montgomerie’s record

Thailand's Thongchai Jaidee (Picture: Stuart Franklin/Getty Images).

Overnight leader Jaidee posted four birdies in his bogey-free round of 67 to finish on 17 under, one shot ahead of Storm, and secure his seventh European Tour title.

Jaidee had Storm level with him until the 17th, when the latter found the water with his tee shot, leading to his sole bogey of the day.

Overtaking Colin Montgomerie as the competition’s oldest winner, 45-year-old Jaidee then sealed his triumph with a fine six-foot putt on the 18th.

Sweden’s Pelle Edberg was third, two shots behind Storm, Scott Hend of Australia was fourth and Wales’ Jamie Donaldson and England’s Ross Fisher were among a tie for fifth.

Harrogate’s John Parry banked €40,533 for a tie for ninth place after rounds of 66 70 70 67.

He had six birdies in his closing round, as well as two bogeys.

Jaidee made just two bogeys in the week and even he was slightly surprised at his finishing score.

“It’s a very special week for me,” said Jaidee. “It is the third time I have won outside of Asia, so I’m very excited about that and I’m happy to win this tournament.

“I’m feeling very confident at the moment. I didn’t make many mistakes this week. I played very nicely and 17 under is some score for me.

“I liked the golf course. It’s not very long and you have to keep it in play.”

He added: “Graeme Storm played very well too. It was very exciting on the last three holes. The 18th is tough and you can’t miss the fairway. I had to go left and then it was a good chip and a good putt at the last to win.”

After being pipped to the title, Storm remains on one European Tour win, achieved at the Open de France eight years ago.

However, the 37-year-old took solace from a runners-up finish, saying: “I’m very pleased. I’ve secured my card and I’ve got a job again for next year.

“That was the main thing at the start of the week and (Sunday) as well. Maybe I could have holed a few more putts and the title would be mine, but congratulations to Thongchai; he made a great up and down on the last. It wasn’t meant to be.

“It was vital to finish second on my own and I’m looking forward to trying to qualify for The Race to Dubai final rather than having to go to Q School.

“It’s amazing to think all of a sudden I might be able to qualify for that.”