James Hepworth takes Galgorm EuroPro win after play-off

Daniel Gaunt was edged out in a play-off at Galgorm Castle

Englishman James Hepworth edged out Australian Daniel Gaunt in a play-off to win the £10,000 first prize in the NI EuroPro Open at Galgorm Castle.

Gaunt shot a final-round 67 to finish on 15 under and overnight leader Hepworth (70) needed a closing birdie to force the play-off.

Hepworth then went back to the 18th tee and his birdie four was enough to take the title after Gaunt found trouble.

Lurgan man Gareth Shaw shot a closing 66 to finish in a share of third place.

Shaw finished on 11 under par with English duo Ian Keenan and Matt Allen while Clandeboye's Jonathan Caldwell was tied sixth a shot further back after firing a 67.

Allen also fired a 66 which was the best score of the closing day at the Ballymena club.

Caldwell shared sixth place with Cork man Michael Collins, Scotland's Craig Lee and former British Amateur Champion Gary Wolstenholme who fired a closing 69.

Derry man Michael McGeady was among a group on seven under but Warrenpoint player Barrie Trainor lost ground on the final day as his 75 dropped him to six under.

Trainor had been one shot off the pace after day one following an eight-under 64.

Galgorm Castle amateur David Kernohan completed a highly creditable tournament as he shot a final-round 72 for five under and a share of 28th.

Moyola Park's Chris Selfridge shot a closing 71 for two under, which left him tied for 41st.

Englishmen James Webber, who along with Gaunt was three behind Hepworth going into the final day at Galgorm, dropped out of contention as he fired a closing 74.

Hepworth was a regular on the main European Tour until 2007 and is hoping to regain those privileges for next season.

Gaunt, who was leading the EuroPro Order of Merit, going into the Galgorm event, has qualified for next week's French Open.