Canete secures Joburg Open win

Canete had been in consistent form throughout the week

FINAL LEADERBOARD
(SA unless stated):
-19 A Canete (Arg)
-17 A McLardy
-16 H Otto
-13 A Haindl, M Murless
-13 A Da Silva (Bra), E Rush (Eng)

Argentina's Ariel Canete hit two late birdies to clinch victory in the inaugural Joburg Open in South Africa.

Canete was level with home favourite Andrew McLardy on 17 under with two holes to play.

But the 31-year-old held his nerve over the closing holes to edge ahead and secure his first European Tour title.

He bogeyed the par-three 2nd but then picked up two birdies on the front nine and three in his last five holes to finish two shots clear.

Another South African, Hennie Otto, was alone in third place on 16 under after shooting a 67.

McLardy, whose parents are from Scotland, started badly with a dropped shot at his opening hole but recovered well to challenge Canete.

A total of 36 players had to return early on Sunday morning to complete their third rounds, which had been interrupted by a storm on Saturday afternoon, before the fourth round teed off.

South African Alex Haindl moved up the leaderboard with a 67 to join his compatriot Otto in third place and he continued his good form with a one-under 70 in his final round for a share of fourth place.