Thomas Aiken wins for first time in Europe
Thomas Aiken has secured his first victory on the European Tour at the Open de Espana. A final score of 10-under-par was enough for him claim victory at the El Prat course, beating Anders Hansen by two shots
Thomas Aiken claimed his first European Tour victory after winning the Spanish Open by two shots at the El Prat course near Barcelona.
However, his victory was overshadowed by the death of Seve Ballesteros, whose last victory incidentally came at the Spanish Open in 1995.
The entire field wore black ribbons in memory of Ballesteros and Aiken was quick to pay tribute to the great Spaniard.
He said: "I definitely want to dedicate this win to him with it being his home Open and what he gave to his home fans and to golf."
The South African shot a final-round 70 to finish with a 278 and beat Dane Anders Hansen by two shots.
Aiken began the day with a two-shot lead, which was quickly doubled after birdies on the 2nd and 6th. Hansen was unable to put any real pressure on his playing partner despite Aiken three-putting the 15th and then driving into the sand on 17. However, his birdie on the 18th ensured he took second place, with Scott Jamieson and Pablo Larrazábal finishing joint third.
Aiken's maiden victory comes after a seven-week break, which included a month in the Bahamas where he didn't even pick up a club.
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