Storm wins French Open

After seven years as a professional, Graeme Storm claimed his first European Tour title with an impressive victory in the Open de France ALSTOM.

The 29-year-old Englishman shot a final round 66 to post an early clubhouse lead that no one was able to match. Søren Hansen lead the tournament after the third round and was Storm?s nearest competitor. After two double bogeys early on in the final round the Dane fought back well to post a round of 72 to finish one behind the winner. Colin Montgomerie held the lead with four holes to play but some poor putting meant he dropped shots late on to fall back to third.

Thomas Björn showed an impressive return to form with a solid week that saw him finish tied for third. Björn took the lead early on the round but an average back nine left him just off the pace.

The win earns Storm ?666,660 and a place in this year's Open at Carnoustie. ?Over the last six or seven months I've been thinking that a first win might never happen. I've been putting too much pressure on myself but hopefully now I can go on to better things,? said a delighted Storm.

A solid 10th place finish for Welshman Bradley Dredge also sees him seal his place at the Open.

Open de France ALSTOM

-7 G Storm (Eng)

-6 S Hansen (Den)

-5 C Montgomerie (Sco), T Bjorn (Den), D McGrane (Ire), S Khan (Eng)