Olesen Polishes off Win in Australia


Thorbjørn Olesen closed with a 1-under 71 to win the ISPS Handa Perth International. The European Tour took place at Lake Karrinyup Country Club in Australia.

The 24-year-old Dane began the final round with a three-stroke edge over South Korean Sihwan Kim. Despite making his third, fourth and fifth bogeys of the tournament - along with four birdies - Olesen had a big enough margin to cruise home at 17-under 271, three strokes ahead of France's Victor Dubuisson.

The victory was the second in Olesen's young career; his first came in the 2012 Sicilian Open.

"It was tough - they were not easy conditions today," Olesen told the European Tour's website. "I missed a few short putts today in the middle of the round and I think that the lead got down to one shot, but I was just thinking about getting my round back to under par, keeping focused, and seeing if I could make a few birdies coming in.

"My driving and a couple of 3-woods were off-line, which made it tricky, but I made some great putts coming in. It's been a couple of years since I won last time, so this gives me a lot of confidence and belief for the last bit of the season, this has been a great week and I've really enjoyed being here."

"It was a tough day but it was worth it - that walk down 18 was beautiful."

The win assures Olesen of a spot in the European's season finale, the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai in late November.

Finishing five back was England's Mark Foster (69), while six behind were Aussies Matthew Griffin (67) and Steve Dartnall (70), Denmark's Lucas Bjerregaard (70), Scotsman David Drysdale (71) and England's James Morrison (73).

Peter Uihlein (73) was the top-finishing American at 10-under; he tied for ninth with, among others, Kim, who closed with a 75. Jason Dufner - playing in his first competition since injuring his neck three months ago - shot a 73 and ended up tied for sixth at 282.

For all the scores, visit http://www.europeantour.com/europeantour/season=2014/tournamentid=2014084/leaderboard/index.html.