Marcel Siem holds off Francesco Molinari to win French Open

Marcel Siem, of Germany, appreciates a good shot on his way to victory (AP)

Marcel Siem of Germany won the French Open by a stroke from Francesco Molinari of Italy yesterday, after shooting a four-under 67.

Siem holed five birdies, offset by one bogey, for an eight-under total of 276 that was good enough to win his second European Tour title. Molinari started the round in 22nd, six strokes off the lead. He dropped two shots at his first hole but sank nine birdies in a 64. Raphael Jacquelin of France hit a 69 for third, two strokes off the pace.

Siem began the week 120th on the rankings but has moved into the top 60 and picked up a cheque for just under £420,000. Last year the winner, Thomas Levet, jumped into the lake to celebrate and broke his leg but, excitable though he is, Siem decided to stay out of the water.

"I'm just going to have some nice French champagne," he said. "I've had so many tournaments I kind of destroyed this year and I am so happy I got it done. It's all about winning in the end and now I'm in the Open, which is unbelievable."

England's Ian Poulter, David Lynn and the joint overnight leader David Howell were a shot behind Jacquelin, in joint fourth.