Golf: Russell shakes off wobble to land Emporda Open title

LOTHIANS golfer Raymond Russell survived an early wobble to claim his first major title in 14 years with victory in the Alps Tour's Emporda Open in Spain.

The 37-year-old, who won the European Tour's Cannes Open back in 1996, closed with a one-under 70 for an 11-under 202 and a two shot win over Italy's Matteo Delpodio and Spanish duo Carlos Del Moral and Xavier Guzman.

Russell, leading by three strokes heading into the closing round, made a perfect start to his title bid with a birdie on the first hole but he toppled off the top with a calamitous run of five dropped shots over the next three holes.

The Prestonpans pro rallied and picked up another five birdies, including two in a row at 17 and 18, to edge back to the front and pick up the top prize of almost 6,000. "To be honest, it was a tough day," said Russell, who shared fourth in the 1998 Open at Birkdale. "I made a very poor start despite my birdie on the first hole and what happened next was so awful. But I told myself to take it the same as on the first two days and I managed to make a few birdies." Perth rookie Gavin Dear sagged to a closing 75 and finished near the foot of the standings on a 216.

• LOTHIANS pulled off a great escape to earn a 7-7 draw with Borders in an annual friendly played at The Hirsel on the outskirts of Coldstream.

Keith Nicholson's men found themselves trailing 4-1 after a miserable morning session in the foursomes and were staring defeat in the face when they managed just one win in the top four singles encounters.

But the visitors secured an unlikely share of the spoils after gaining five wins and a half from the last six matches.

Former Lothians champion Zander Culverwell produced the most significant late turnround as he came from one down with three to play to pick up a point after winning both the 16th and 17th holes.

Other singles wins at the bottom of the order came from Dean Muir, Stephen Neilson, Tom Blennerhassett and Stephen Simants, with Olly Huish providing the half.

Earlier, Myles Cunningham had delivered the biggest win in the singles session as he thumped David Gillie 6 and 5, while Lothians' sole success in the foursomes was provided by Mark Timmins and Stuart Boyle.

"The morning foursomes results were obviously disappointing and left us with a lot to do in the afternoon," said Lothians selection convenor Tom Gowan.