• Open de France, Round Four

Siem snatches title despite Molinari magic

Marcel Siem had a fourth-round 67 © PA Photos

Enlarge

Related Links

• Profile: Graeme McDowell | Ian Poulter | Marcel Siem | Lee Westwood

Leaderboard

Germany's Marcel Siem took his second European Tour title with a one-stroke victory at the Open de France on Sunday.

Siem, the world No. 120, completed at eight under to finish one ahead of Francesco Molinari, who closed with a magnificent 64 but came up just short.

Siem signed for a final-day 67 (four under) in blustery conditions at Le Golf National for his first European Tour triumph since the Dunhill Championship eight years ago.

After picking up five birdies, he dropped a shot for the first time on the day when he bogeyed 18 - but by that time the tournament was firmly in his grasp, and he could afford the late stutter.

It was rough justice on Molinari, who was two over for the tournament and seemingly out of contention when he reached the second tee on Sunday. From that point onwards, the Italian set himself on a mission to take home the trophy, with nine birdies, six of which came on the back nine. His effort was particularly impressive given the blustery conditions, which swept several players out of contention.

The two overnight leaders - David Howell and Anders Hansen - both fell into that category: Howell ended five under following a 72, while Hansen was two under thanks to a 75.

England's Ian Poulter had a 69 that left him five under, which was a creditable effort - although he bogeyed both of the final two holes to end the event on a low note.

Justin Rose was three under through 72 holes, while Graeme McDowell was level par.

Lee Westwood was able to complete his final round, despite suffering an injury scare on Saturday when he slipped walking to the first tee. He had a 70 on Sunday to finish at five over.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.