Hoey claims Russian Open
MOSCOW: Northern Ireland’s Michael Hoey returned to form after a quiet spell with a resounding four-stroke victory in the Russian Open after a final round of 70 at Moscow’s Tseleevo Golf and Polo Club on Sunday.
Hoey set up his fifth European Tour victory with Saturday’s decisive seven under-par-round of 65, to leave him five shots clear overnight.
The 34-year-old, who had missed seven of his last ten cuts, finished with a 16-under-par total of 272.
Last year’s winner Alexandre Kaleka of France and Englishman Matthew Nixon were the closest challengers, finishing on 12-under, with Joachim Hansen of Denmark one shot further back in fourth.
‘‘I have absolutely loved the golf course this week,’’ Hoey said. ‘‘The putting was the key for me. I have been working hard on that a lot recently and the improvement is really showing because I was making a lot of birdies.
‘‘That is the main difference at this level. You have to be able to make a lot of putts because the standard is so high these days that it usually comes down to who makes the most putts.
‘‘It’s pretty amazing to think that I have won five European Tour titles.
‘‘It is a great feeling to win and every time you do it you just want more and more. Hopefully I can get at least another one before the end of the season.
‘‘I am not the most consistent player in the world but when I get into these positions I usually do okay.’’