Wallace the hero as he beats Beef in play-off
LONDONER Matt Wallace became the fourth Englishman to win on the European Tour in 2018, following a thrilling play-off success against countryman Andrew ‘Beef’ Johnston in the Hero Indian Open in New Delhi yesterday. Johnston and Wallace had finished three shots clear of the field after four rounds, tied on 11 under. Wallace, 27, then claimed his second tour title in grand style, with perhaps the best shot of his career at the first extra hole. The 18th is a dangerous par five played over a vast expanse of water but Wallace never flinched with his second shot, striking a stunning long-iron to within just 10 feet of the hole. Johnston, who had laid up, was unlucky to see his birdie attempt horseshoe out, leaving Wallace two putts for the title. ‘Given I was three over par after eight holes on Thursday, I’ve played some of the best golf of my life from that point to win,’ Wallace said. ‘I’m ecstatic.’ Johnston wasn’t too despondent either. This was his second top 10 this season — he had only one during the entire campaign last year. Wallace joins Eddie Pepperell (Qatar), Tommy Fleetwood (Abu Dhabi) and Chris Paisley (South Africa) in winning on the European Tour this year.