• Trophee Hassan II, Round Four

Hoey wins to dash Manassero's Masters bid

ESPN staff
March 25, 2012
Michael Hoey held his nerve to win in Morocco © Getty Images
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Michael Hoey held off a determined Damien McGrane to win the Trophee Hassan II in Morocco, ending Matteo Manassero's hopes of a Masters spot.

The Northern Irishman shot a final-round 65 to claim victory by three shots in Agadir. Hoey began the final day two strokes behind overnight leader Damien McGrane, but had been nine shots off the pace on Thursday after an opening round 74.

Hoey picked up his first shot at the second before a run of four straight birdies from the fifth saw him take the lead.

Birdies at 10, 11 and 13 kept McGrane's hopes of victory alive, but the 17th hole proved decisive - while Hoey bagged his eighth birdie of the day, McGrane could only manage a bogey that saw him slip three shots off the pace as he signed for a 70.

Welshman Jamie Donaldson fired a course record 61 to finish in a tie for third alongside Phillip Price and Robert Coles.

Italian teenager Mattteo Manassero, who needed to win at Golf du Palais Royal to secure his place at next month's Masters, had to settle for a tie for sixth. Despite a stunning eagle at the 15th, Manassero could only manage a final round 72.

On his Masters debut as an amateur two years ago, the then 16-year-old became the youngest player to make the cut, eventually finishing tied for 36th.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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