• Madrid Masters, Round Four

Donald claims first European Tour title in six years

Luke Donald recovered from his Wentworth misery in style by winning his eighth career title at the Madrid Masters © Getty Images

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Madrid Masters gallery

Luke Donald banished the memories of his near-miss at last week's PGA Championship to secure his first win on the European Tour in six years with a one-stroke victory at the Madrid Masters.

The world No. 13 carded a five-under-par final round of 67 to move onto 21 under and pip Welshman Rhys Davies by a single shot after a wonderful battle between the two down the final stretch went to the last hole.

Davies stuck to his task impeccably and grabbed the lead with a birdie on 15. Unperturbed, Donald hit right back with an eagle at the 16th and two solid up-and-downs in the closing three holes secured the Englishman's first tournament win since the Honda Classic in 2006.

"It feels really good to win again - it is definitely a weight off my shoulders," Donald said. " I have been a little frustrated recently that I hadn't won in the last few years and so to come here and play like I did and make an eagle on 16 meant a lot to me.

"The longer it goes without a win the harder it becomes. I tried to stay positive today and after the tenth my caddie and I talked about giving myself as many birdie chances as I could. I hit a couple of wayward shots but I kept hitting greens and giving myself chances and that was great.

"It's been a while since I felt like this and after last week and it was great to put it behind me. I am very pleased and proud of the way I played."

The significance of winning during a Ryder Cup year was not lost on Donald, who should move into the top 10 in the world rankings after two good finishes in as many weeks. "This win will hopefully take me onto the team and now I have just got to stay there," he said. "Another good week in Wales will be great and I am obviously playing good leading up to the majors - which is a nice feeling."

Italy's Francesco Molinari never quite got close enough to threaten the leaders and had to settle for third on 18 under, while Graeme McDowell finished a further shot back in fourth place. Robert Rock posted the best putting statistics of the week and continued a rich vein of form with a final-round 70 to end the tournament in fifth place.

2008 Ryder Cup star Oliver Wilson enjoyed a productive final day as his final-round 65 moved him into the top 10. Jamie Donaldson, who held a share of the lead after the first day, completed a good week with a closing round of 70 to finish in a tie for sixth alongside Stephen Gallacher and Peter Lawrie on 13-under-par.

Jose Manuel Lara threatened to shoot the European Tour's first 59 when he stood at nine under for the day with six holes left to play. The Spaniard failed to complete the job though as he bogeyed the 13th and finished with five straight pars en route to a course record-equalling 64.

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