Jittery Slattery reigns in Spain

England’s Lee Slattery survived a jittery final hole to claim his maiden win on the European Tour at the Bankia Madrid Masters.

The 33-year-old, looking to secure his playing status for next year, held a three-stroke lead over Italian Lorenzo Gagli heading up the 18th yesterday but put his third shot into the water.

He gathered himself again, though, pitching to within 15 feet and two-putted for a double bogey to finish on 15 under par, one better than Gagli. Eduardo De La Riva and Cesar Monasterio finished on 12 under.

Slattery held a two-shot lead overnight but saw that advantage wiped out with bogeys at the third and fifth holes. However, birdies followed on 7, 11, 13, 14 and 15, as he carded a one-under 71.

He admitted he was trembling as he stood over the two-footer he had to claim the crown.

“I have never shaken so much in my life,” he said. Meanwhile, 25-year-old Gagli enjoyed his fifth top-five finish this season. Despite missing a birdie chance on the last to take it to a play-off this was another excellent week for him.

Australian Brett Rumford, joint second overnight, fell away with a 77, while Luke Donald shot an even-par 72 to finish eight under.

George Murray and Marc Warren headed the Scottish contingent finishing in a tie for 18th and each picking up a cheque for just under £10,000.

Of the other Scots, David Drysdale (69) finished on 285, two ahead of Richie Ramsay (74) and five better than Lloyd Saltman (290), while Paul Lawrie (74) and Steven O’Hara (77) both finished on 291.