Wiesberger joins greats in France as Morrison books place at Open

James Morrison of England, tees off at the first hole during the final round of the French Open Golf tournament at Paris National course in Guyancourt, west of Paris, France.. (AP Photo/Michel Euler).James Morrison of England, tees off at the first hole during the final round of the French Open Golf tournament at Paris National course in Guyancourt, west of Paris, France.. (AP Photo/Michel Euler).
James Morrison of England, tees off at the first hole during the final round of the French Open Golf tournament at Paris National course in Guyancourt, west of Paris, France.. (AP Photo/Michel Euler).
Austria’s Bernd Wiesberger added his name to the illustrious list of Alstom Open de France champions thanks to a brilliant closing 65 at Le Golf National.

Wiesberger carded six birdies in a flawless round to finish 13 under par, three shots ahead of playing partner James Morrison, who also did not drop a shot in a closing 67.

Overnight leader Jaco van Zyl was two shots further back after a disappointing 73, but at least had the consolation of joining Morrison in claiming one of the three qualifying places on offer for the Open Championship.

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Rafael Cabrera-Bello secured the remaining place at St Andrews thanks to a stunning back nine of 29 after going to the turn in 40, the Spaniard carding two eagles and two birdies to finish fifth, a shot behind two-time major winner Martin Kaymer.

Kaymer was within a shot of the lead after birdies on the first and third, but could only pick up one more shot before seeing his third to the 18th spin back into the water.

Wiesberger began the day three shots off the lead but took command of the tournament in stunning fashion with five birdies in six holes from the fourth after a one-hour delay due to the threat of lightning.

That gave him a four-shot lead and although Morrison closed to within two thanks to birdies on the 12th, 13th and 16th, Wiesberger crucially saved par from the back of the 17th green and rounded off his third European Tour title in style with a birdie on the last.

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“It was a great year but a tough year for me so far,” said Wiesberger, who lost a play-off for the Irish Open at Royal County Down in May.

“I have had a lot of success but just could not quite pull it off so to stand here with the trophy makes it pretty sweet.”

The likes of Seve Ballesteros, Nick Faldo, Greg Norman, Bernhard Langer and Sandy Lyle are among the previous winners of the event and Wiesberger added: “I know the tradition of this great tournament and I am very proud.”

Morrison said: “Bernd played superbly today, he won the tournament. Simple as that. He played fantastic.”

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