Björn, the previous week’s champion in the Peugeot Open de España, had to content himself with fourth place this time as Sjöland triumphed in the rain-shortened tournament with a 21 under par total of 195.
José Maria Olazábal, the runner-up in his native championship, once again found one too good for him as he shared second place with another Swede, Joakim Haeggman, on 198.
Sjöland’s maiden victory on the European Tour was especially sweet for the Marbella-based golfer as his girlfriend, Ulrika, carried his bag throughout the 54-hole tournament.
"She doesn’t play golf but it’s great to have her around’ said Sjöland, who confessed to a sense of relief after coming close in the same event two years ago and in the Qatar Masters in March.
"Definitely she has been one of the keys to my win. She helps me mentally. It’s good to have her around. We have had some good times and I think there are even better ones ahead."
Sjöland, who admitted that he was ‘something of a late developer’, was pipped by Jim Payne in 1996. This time, though, the Swede’s steely resolve saw him get the job done in style.
Torrential rain in the foothills of the Alps had meant the first round was not completed until Saturday with the cut being made after two rounds on Sunday morning.
Sjöland’s opening 64 was one stroke behind Irishman Paul McGinley, but a second round of 65 carried him into the lead on 129. From then on he seldom looked like relinquishing that position.
Olazábal made a declaration of intent by starting his final round with three straight birdies to close within two shots of the leader. But the Swede responded with three of his own in the opening four holes - including a 9 iron tee shot to just two inches at the short second.
One by one, Björn, Olazábal and Haeggman were burned off as Sjöland maintained his composure under intense pressure. He said: "I knew I needed to play well after Olazábal started with three birdies but I birdied the first, second and fourth. I felt comfortable. I don’t think I’ve ever played as well before. It’s a relief to win after coming so close. Fantastic. I like playing in Italy."
Sjöland’s success came as no surprise to Olazábal, who had no complaints about finishing second yet again.
"I played with Patrik in the first two round and I knew he would be tough to beat. I told Sergio (Gomez), my manager, that if he kept playing the same way he would win very soon. It was quicker than I thought!"
Haeggman, back to fitness after bruising two ribs earlier in the season, equalled McGinley’s opening score when he closed with a 63, the highlight of which was an inward 29.
He said: "I thought I might need 62 to have a chance but Patrik deserved this."
