I’ve been close.. it’s nice to get over line
WIN AT LAST FOR IRISH OPEN RUNNER-UP
RYAN FOX admits it was special to claim his first European Tour title with victory in the ISPS Handa World Super 6 in Perth.
The Kiwi defeated Spain’s Adrian Otaegui 3&2 in the final at Lake Karrinyup after previous narrow wins over Jazz Janewattananond, Kristoffer Reitan and Irishman Paul Dunne.
Dunne claimed third place after beating Zimbabwe’s Scott Vincent on the first extra hole of the play-off for third/fourth place.
But the day belonged to Fox who made the most of his bye into the final 16 by emerging triumphant after coming so close last year when he lost a play-off to Scotland’s Russell Knox in the Irish Open last year.
Fox, son of All Blacks legend Grant Fox, said: “I’ve been close a couple of times and it’s nice to get one over the line in a special place. I’ve played a lot here and enjoy it. Adrian didn’t quite play to his best but I’m quite happy to take advantage of that.
“I played great this afternoon and felt under the most control so it was nice to finish in style.”
Meanwhile, America’s Nelly Korda carded a final round of 67 to finish 17 under, two shots clear of Jin Young Ko, and keep up the family tradition of victory in Australia in the ISPS Handa Women’s Australian Open.
Sister Jessica won the event seven years ago while father Petr won the Australian Open tennis title in 1998 and brother Sebastian won the boys’ singles title last year.