Emilio Cuartero Blanco produced a grandstand finish to secure his second European Challenge Tour title at the Dormy Open.
The Spaniard entered the final day at Österåkers Golfklubb two shots off the lead but posted a closing five under par round of 67, including an eagle on the 16th and a birdie on the final hole, to reach 15 under par and move one clear of Switzerland’s Jeremy Freiburghaus, who finished second on 14 under.
The 31-year-old was delighted to add the Dormy Open title to his 2019 Irish Challenge victory, and it was made extra special with his parents, sister, and girlfriend in attendance this week.
“This is my second win and I’m so overwhelmed right now,” he said. “I’ve put a lot of pressure on myself to win this year and I am so relieved because I have put in a lot of hard work. I got a couple of good breaks at the end and it’s a game of inches at the end of the day.
“I had a long putt for eagle on 16 and decided to hit it firmly. Luckily it hit the centre off the pin and dropped in. On 18, I had no idea that I needed a birdie to win. I hit a three-wood to make sure I was in the middle of the fairway and then hit my approach to the right of the green. It worked out very well and I am so happy.
“My parents, sister and girlfriend had taken a week off work to come and watch me. I still can’t believe what just happened and it feels amazing. I’m going to take my family to Stockholm for a well-deserved dinner this evening.”
Dutchman Koen Kouwenaar and Germany’s Max Schmitt posted seven under par rounds of 65 to claim a share of third place on 13 under par alongside overnight leader Lauri Ruuska.
Scotland’s Sam Locke, Englishman Daniel Brown and Italian Stefano Mazzoli finished a shot further back in a tie for sixth, while Welshman Stuart Manley, Norwegian Kristian Krogh Johannessen and Sweden’s Mikael Lindberg shared ninth place on 11 under par.
Cuartero Blanco’s victory means he moves to 15th position on the Road to Mallorca Rankings with 73,523 points, while German Freddy Schott still tops the Rankings on 115,599 points.
The Road to Mallorca remains in Sweden next week for the Indoor Golf Group Challenge from August 25-28, 2022.
