Andersson Hed earns maiden European Tour win

(Getty images)

Sweden's Fredrik Andersson Hed held on to claim his first European Tour title at the 245th attempt after almost blowing a six-shot lead in the Italian Open.

Andersson Hed took a commanding advantage into the final round in Turin after a brilliant nine-under par 63 on Saturday, but found himself pegged back by England's David Horsey.

Horsey moved into a share of the lead with his sixth birdie of the day on the 13th yesterday, but promptly dropped a shot at the next and also bogeyed the 18th after a 10-minute wait on the tee.

That gave Andersson Hed some much-needed breathing room and he was able to par the last two holes to complete a round of 73 for a winning total of 16 under par.

Horsey, winner of the Challenge Tour in 2008, was second on 14 under after a closing 68, with Belgium's Nicolas Colsaerts, Sweden's Peter Gustafsson and England's Chris Wood sharing third, two shots further back.

Spain's Miguel Angel Jimenez was expected to be Andersson Hed's main challenger, but slumped to a closing 76.

"The first nine holes I was very tense," admitted Anderson Hed, who carded two bogeys and one birdie in an outward 37. "I started to loosen up a bit from the 11th and played a bit better. It still wasn't great, but it was a more solid last seven or eight holes.

"It means a lot to win, both for the rankings and self-confidence. It would have felt even better to have played well today but I was here to be first and now I am first."

The 38-year-old from Halmstad regained his tour card after an incredible 14th trip to the qualifying school last November, and admitted those experiences may have come in handy.

"They might, because it's the same tension at the qualifying school as it is out here when you're in contention,"said the Swede, who claimed the winner's cheque for £186,856 and a one-year tour exemption.

Horsey refused to blame the lengthy wait on the 18th tee for the bogey six which effectively ended his chances, but was disappointed not to have kept the pressure up after claiming a share of the lead.

"To bogey two of the last five holes is disappointing," said the 25-year-old from Stockport, who was also second in Malaysia last year.