Matteo Manassero secured his first win on the DP world Tour since 2013 thanks to a three-shot victory at the Jonsson Workwear Open in South Africa.
The 30-year-old Italian, who returned to the tour for the first time in five years after he lost his card in 2018, hit a 66 on the final day at the Glendower Golf Club which included seven birdies to end the tournament on 26 under and seal his first top-tier title in over a decade.
“It has been a crazy journey over the last couple of years,” Manassero said. “I knew I was getting on the right track but then you never know when this happens.
“Even coming down the 18th with a good score, you still have to do some more. Golf is a really difficult game but I’m so incredibly happy to be here holding this (trophy) right now.
“I think I played really good golf today. The guys behind were playing some really good golf and every time you look at the leaderboard there is a different name with birdies so there was always somebody chasing.
“It was difficult, I had a little bit of a tough time, 12 and 13 was kind of hard but I kind of managed to go through that and the finish was amazing.”
The Italian finished ahead of South African pair Shaun Norris and Thriston Lawrence, and England’s Jordan Smith who finished in a tie for second on 22 under.
Despite his decade-long winless run, Manassero still has his name etched into the DP World Tour history books, retaining the title of the youngest tour winner at 17 years and 188 days, achieved when he won the 2010 CASTELLO MASTERS Costa Azahar.
The next event on the DP World Tour is the Singapore Classic taking place between 21-24 March at the Laguna National Golf Resort Club.