Wallace holds off record-breaker Olesen to snap up third tour title

Matt Wallace is convinced his stunning triumph at the BMW International Open in Germany can pave the way for more success on the big stage.

The world number 91 held off a record-breaking charge by Thorbjorn Olesen to claim a one-shot win over the Dane, Martin Kaymer and Mikko Korhonen, who tied for second.

Wallace was back in the clubhouse when Kaymer, who was one shot down with two holes to play, bogeyed the 17th and effectively handed the 28-year-old the biggest title of his career to date.

Wallace told the European Tour’s official website: “The BMW is such a great event and to play against the likes of Martin Kaymer and the guys at the top there, it’s great.

“I work hard for this. I believe I can do it. I want to go further, I want to keep building on this. Obviously this gives me a lot of confidence to go on and play well, and I want to kick on and hopefully do this in the bigger events from now on.

“This is great, this is a step in the right direction. We’ll keep working hard towards bigger and better things.”

Olesen had come from nowhere to record an 11-under-par round of 61, which put him in a three-shot lead before the leading pairs had even started the final round.

Olesen produced nine birdies and an eagle to record the lowest-round score in the history of the tournament, which Wallace – who started the day two shots off the lead – set about reeling in.

Birdies on the 13th and 15th saw him take a share of the lead before an excellent tee shot on the 16th set him up for what proved to be a third European Tour title of his career.

While Kaymer floundered late on, Korhonen moved into contention with a birdie on the 17th but was ultimately forced to settle for a share of second place.

Scott Jamieson finished as top Scot. His closing 70 saw him finish tied for 12th place five shots behind the winner at five under.

Blairgowrie’s Bradley Neil carded a 69 yesterday to finish one under while Connor Syme of Drumoig was one over after a closing 75.

Sergio Garcia also finished on five under par, while Tommy Fleetwood, who was second at the US Open earlier this month, was way back on four over.

Matt Wallace got his hands on the BMW trophy then declared he was ready to compete in the bigger events.