Richardson Takes Maiden Title At Stonebridge - 03/07/2007

MATTHEW RICHARDSON won his first professional title with a three-shot triumph over Sandeep Grewal in The Sweeney's Environmental Classic at Stonebridge.

Richardson was in contention throughout the PGA EuroPro Tour event, with opening rounds of 65 and 66 leaving him one shot behind Grewal going into the final round.

While the leader's challenge stuttered as he opened with three bogeys in the opening 12 holes to slip back to -5, Richardson held his nerve.

After finishing in joint second place at Maylands last week, he went one better in style this time around.

He had two birdies at the turn to lead at -9, before adding three more in the final five holes to move into an unassailable lead.

"I'm buzzing," said 21-year-old Richardson, who dropped just three shots during the 54-hole event.

"I've had a few good finishes but it can be easy to get strung up about it. I've been working with my psychologist Stuart Fomes on routines and processes and am happy with how that worked.

"I've put a lot of work in with my coaches David Leadbetter and Stuart Morgan and was very happy with my swing this week.

"Hopefully I can try and keep my game tight for the rest of the season and go into European Tour Qualifying School in form.

"I think I am capable of more wins and want to move on from here."

Grewal recovered from his shaky start to finish strongly, landing a birdie at the 14th hole and then ending with three successive birdies to return to -9.

He finished two shots clear of Nathan Treacher, Mark Smith and Noel Fox, who all ended the tournament at -7.

Treacher and Smith shattered the course record by posting final rounds of 61 on Friday, while Fox hit a second successive 65 to jump up the standings.

Matthew Cort and Russell Claydon were a shot adrift at -6, while rounds of 64 from Lee Gauthier and 65 from David Fisher put them among six players at -5.

Zane Scotland also hit a 64, and was joined by three 2006 PGA EuroPro Tour winners at four-under-par, with Phil Rowe, Neil Walker and James Ruebotham joining him at that score.

Jon Lupton - who enjoyed a welcome return to form at Stonebridge - was another of the ten players at -4 following a final round 70, while Matt Morris slipped from second place going into the final round with a 72 on the last day.

Ireland's Mark O'Sullivan posted an excellent 65 on the final day to join five other players at -3.

The Sweeney's Environmental Classic - Final Result

The PGA EuroPro Tour continues with The Prime Time Recruitment Championship at Hollins Hall GC, Baildon next week.