Larrazabal Announces Himself With French Open Victory

Pablo Larrazabal won the French Open in Paris with a round of 67, ending on 15-under-par, four shots clear of his nearest challenger, Colin Montgomerie. It was the 25-year-old Spaniard's debut win on the European tour.

Despite an early double-bogey, Larrazabal picked himself up to keep Montgomerie and Lee Westwood, among others, at bay. His previous best finish had been 15th at the Irish Open, but now he charges from 128th on the European Order of Merit into the leading 10.

Larrazabal, who came through 36 holes of qualifying to make it to Le Golf National, entered the tournament 481st in the world and even described himself as "the 150th best player here".

But, leading from the moment he opened with a 65, he clinched the massive £527,800 first prize with a dramatic and inspired closing round. As a result the European Tour rookie will play his first major at next month's Open Championship, has secured a place on the circuit for the next two years and is even in the top 20 of the Ryder Cup race.

Larrazabal, rated a 200-1 shot before the start, finished on 15 under par with Montgomerie, in easily his best display of the year, runner-up and Westwood, third in the US Open two weeks ago, dropping to joint fifth after going in the lake on the last.

The young Barcelona golfer joined Westwood's ball when he was thrown in by some of his compatriots - then threw his shoes in as the celebrations continued. "I don't know how it feels - it's fantastic," he said. "I really played great golf and my putter was great all week."

It was only the 17th Tour event Larrazabal had played in his life, although his past experiences do include The Masters at Augusta - as a caddie for his brother Alejandro, British amateur champion in 2002.

Larrazabal, who played all week without a driver in his bag on the firm and bouncy course, started the final day three ahead and remained firmly in the driving seat with three birdies in his first five.