Cage Wins Azores Tour Championship - 02/06/2007

STUART CAGE has won The Azores Tour Championship in a three-way play-off against Kevin Harper and Mark Ramsdale at Batalha GC.

The Cookridge Hall golfer - a winner on the European Tour in 1997 - emerged victorious in a three-hole play-off after being locked at -4 following three rounds in the Azores.

A level par round from Cage on Monday ensured his place alongside Harper - who shot a 69 - and Ramsdale, who came back from two early bogeys to fire in a 70.

Ramsdale went out at the first extra hole when he missed a par putt from four feet, while Cage got 'up and down' excellently in both the first and second holes to stay in contention as they re-played the 18th.

Both Cage and Harper missed the green at the third extra hole, but the Yorkshireman chipped to six feet before holing out to seal the win with a par after his opponent failed to recover from a bad lie and missed a 20-foot putt.

"I'm delighted," said Cage. "This is a great way to end the year and a huge confidence boost.

"I've played on the European Tour but have really enjoyed my golf on the PGA EuroPro Tour.

"This is proof that if you working away and battle hard you get the rewards.

"Because I am a former winner on the European Tour I am straight into final stage of Qualifying School, but I hope to see many more of the PGA EuroPro Tour players there after they play in Second Stage.

"They have shown their quality over the year and in this event."

He added: "I'd also like to thank my family and friends for all their support, which has meant so much to me."

The trio finished two shots clear of Zane Scotland and Scotsman Graham Gordon, who landed the day's best round of 68.

Overnight leader Matt Skelton saw his challenge crumble on the final day thanks to three nightmare holes where he dropped a total of seven shots - ending with a 78 to slip to -1 for the tournament.

That saw him finish alongside Matthew Richardson and John Wells, with other 2006 PGA EuroPro Tour winners Matthew Woods and Chris Hanson among five players at level par.

While Cage took £20,000 as winner, East Devon star Harper's £8,500 saw him finish the year as Order of Merit leader with a total of £29,259, as well as pick up the Rookie of the Year title.