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Callum Shinkwin claims first European Tour win after Cyprus Open playoff

Callum Shinkwin shot a sensational 63 before winning the Cyprus Open after a playoff
Callum Shinkwin shot a sensational 63 before winning the Cyprus Open after a playoff

England's Callum Shinkwin defeated Finland's Kalle Samooja in a play-off to win his first European Tour title in the Aphrodite Hills Cyprus Open.

Shinkwin birdied the first extra hole to secure victory after the pair had finished tied on 20 under par.

The 27-year-old, who lost a play-off for the Scottish Open in 2017 after missing from four feet to win on the 72nd hole, had earlier produced a spectacular finish to set the clubhouse target following a closing 63.

FINAL LEADERBOARD

Shinkwin was two shots behind with two holes play but birdied the 17th and then holed from 50 feet for an eagle on the 18th to complete a back nine of 29.

Samooja needed to match Shinkwin's eagle to win in regulation and saw his long-range attempt run five feet past the hole, but held his nerve to hole the birdie putt to force extra holes.

The 32-year-old then left himself with an almost identical birdie putt to extend the play-off, but pushed it agonisingly wide of the hole. 

On a day of low-scoring, overnight leader Jamie Donaldson carded a 67 but this left him two shots shy of the leading pair on -18. 

Ireland's Cormac Sharvin enjoyed a strong closing round, carding a 66 to finish on 10-under par and in a tie for 28th place. 

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