Dyson Triumphs In Holland

A ten-foot birdie putt at the first extra hole was enough for England's Simon Dyson to defeat Australia's Richard Green in a playoff for the 2006 KLM Open yesterday at the Kennemer G&CC in Zandvoort, Holland.

Both men finished at -14, one stroke ahead of Ireland's Damien McGrane. McGrane had entered the final round with a three stroke lead but his final round of 70 was not enough to hold off the challenges of Green and Dyson. Dyson birdied three of the last four holes in what was a flawless final round of 66, and his sudden death victory meant that he added this title to the Indonesian Open that he won in March.

"I've dedicated myself a lot better this year," the 28 year-old Dyson said after his victorious playoff win.

"I've been working out in the gym and I've also been working a lot with a psychologist. I used to get very annoyed during my rounds but I am a different player and different person this year. It feels fantastic. To win once is a great achievement, but to win twice in one season is an amazing feeling. Everything is working out well and it feels good."

Despite the playoff defeat Green was not too downhearted. His third round course record of 62 was one of the highlights of the season so far and he is hopeful that it can be a platform to build on.

"I've given it as good an effort as I can," the left handed Australian said.

"I'm pretty happy with my performance. My 62 will be something to remember forever. I definitely know that I am playing good enough to win another golf tournament soon."

Scotland's Colin Montgomerie finished in a tie for 14th after a final round of 69, while Ryder Cup hopeful Paul McGinley kept ahead of his qualification rival Paul Broadhurst after finishing on -6. Broadhurst, who lies one place outside the Ryder Cup qualification positions, missed the cut.