Eagle seals Croce's victory

Alberto Croce holed a 25ft putt for an eagle-three on the final green to win the Lawrence Batley Seniors tournament in a tense climax at Fixby, Huddersfield, yesterday. The 55-year-old Italian took the title after closing with a three-under-par 68 for a four-under total of 209.

A play-off seemed likely when Croce and his playing partners, Tommy Horton and Malcolm Gregson, arrived at the 18th at two under par. John Morgan was already in the clubhouse on the same score, having shot a four-under 67.

Horton made his birdie for a closing 69 and 210 for second place, but Gregson three-putted to share third place with Morgan on 211.