Schwartzel wins in Spain

Published on Sunday 12 October 2008 23:14

CHARL Schwartzel won the Madrid Masters after a flawless five-under-par 66 in the final round left him three shots ahead of second-placed Ricardo Gonzalez.

The South African took a one-shot lead into the final round following scores of 69, 64 and 66 on the par-71 Club de Campo course, and he was in imperious form again, racking up two birdies on the front nine and three more on the way back.

Argentine Gonzalez, who came from nowhere with a nine-under-par 62 in the third round, threatened in patches to overthrow the South African atop the leaderboard, as did Englishman Robert Rock, who launched an early assault on the way to a stunning seven-under-par 64.

Pablo Larrazabal had two early birdies but he lacked the same spark which ignited his nine-under 62 on Saturday and a 67 meant he finished third on 15 under.

Ultimately the classy Schwartzel was too strong as the 24-year-old landed his third European Tour win.

"I played very well again today," he said.

"I thought I ground it out nicely all week. I just managed to keep it going today."