Cabrera Bello edges Arnaus in playoff to clinch Spanish Open
Spaniard bags his fourth title overall on the European Tour while his compatriot is still searching for his maiden win
10 October 2021 - 19:58
byDhruv Munjal
Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
Rafa Cabrera-Bello of Spain celebrates with the winners trophy after the final round of The Open de Espana at Club de Campo Villa de Madrid in Madrid, Spain, October 10 2021. Picture: STUART FRANKLIN/GETTY IMAGES
Bengaluru - Spain’s Rafa Cabrera Bello sank a birdie putt on the first playoff hole to seal a dramatic victory over compatriot Adri Arnaus and win his first tournament in more than four years at the Spanish Open on Sunday.
Both men were neck and neck for much of the day and ended it at 19-under for the tournament. Cabrera Bello then held his nerve after a fine approach shot on the first playoff hole — the par-four 18th — to make birdie as Arnaus could only manage par.
Frenchman Julien Guerrier, India’s Shubhankar Sharma and Grant Forrest of Scotland were all two shots back at 17-under, finishing tied for third.
World No 1 and home favourite Jon Rahm, who was chasing a hat-trick of titles at the event, endured another frustrating day as he carded a two-under 69 and 13-under overall that gave him a share of 17th place.
Cabrera Bello, the overnight leader, began the round with a double-bogey on the par-four first but found his touch on the back nine, making three straight birdies starting with the 13th that gave him a two-under 69.
Arnaus, on the other hand, made eagle on the 14th but could only par his last four holes to end with a round of 67.
The title was Cabrera Bello’s fourth overall on the European Tour while it left Arnaus still searching for his maiden win.
Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
Cabrera Bello edges Arnaus in playoff to clinch Spanish Open
Spaniard bags his fourth title overall on the European Tour while his compatriot is still searching for his maiden win
Bengaluru - Spain’s Rafa Cabrera Bello sank a birdie putt on the first playoff hole to seal a dramatic victory over compatriot Adri Arnaus and win his first tournament in more than four years at the Spanish Open on Sunday.
Both men were neck and neck for much of the day and ended it at 19-under for the tournament. Cabrera Bello then held his nerve after a fine approach shot on the first playoff hole — the par-four 18th — to make birdie as Arnaus could only manage par.
Frenchman Julien Guerrier, India’s Shubhankar Sharma and Grant Forrest of Scotland were all two shots back at 17-under, finishing tied for third.
World No 1 and home favourite Jon Rahm, who was chasing a hat-trick of titles at the event, endured another frustrating day as he carded a two-under 69 and 13-under overall that gave him a share of 17th place.
Cabrera Bello, the overnight leader, began the round with a double-bogey on the par-four first but found his touch on the back nine, making three straight birdies starting with the 13th that gave him a two-under 69.
Arnaus, on the other hand, made eagle on the 14th but could only par his last four holes to end with a round of 67.
The title was Cabrera Bello’s fourth overall on the European Tour while it left Arnaus still searching for his maiden win.
Reuters
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Most Read
Related Articles
LALI STANDER: Life on the pro side isn’t always greener
Siyanda Mwandla finds his sweet spot on the Sunshine Tour
St Francis Links to host SA PGA Championship
Sam Burns captures Sanderson Farms Championship
Published by Arena Holdings and distributed with the Financial Mail on the last Thursday of every month except December and January.