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Alvaro Quiros survives final-round stutter to claim Rocco Forte title

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Alvaro Quiros reflects on securing his European Tour with a dramatic play-off victory at the Rocco Forte Open

Alvaro Quiros admitted he was experiencing mixed emotions after claiming a first worldwide victory since 2011 at the Rocco Forte Open.

Quiros recovered from squandering a seven-shot lead with 12 holes to play to beat Zander Lombard at the second extra hole of a play-off in Sicily.

The Spaniard's win was his seventh on the European Tour and secures his full playing privileges, but Quiros was disappointed not to secure victory in a more convincing fashion.

SCIACCA, ITALY - MAY 21:  Alvaro Quiros of Spain plays a shot on the seventh hole during the final round of The Rocco Forte Open at The Verdura Golf and Sp
Image: Quiros posted a two-over 73 during the final round

"It's a strange feeling because obviously I'm very happy," Quiros told Sky Sports. "It's a victory and means a lot of things, but unfortunately I didn't really like how I finished the round.

"But I could be speaking about second position so I'm happy. At the end, the result is the victory and that's the most important thing.

SCIACCA, ITALY - MAY 21:  Alvaro Quiros of Spain lines up a putt on the seventh hole during the final round of The Rocco Forte Open at The Verdura Golf and
Image: The Spaniard's victory is seventh on the European Tour

"It's been a little bit of a mess. The game wasn't that bad, just the last few holes I started to struggle into the wind."

Lombard narrowly missed out on a maiden European Tour title, matching his runner-up finish at last year's Joburg Open, with the result qualifying the South African for next week's BMW PGA Championship.

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SCIACCA, ITALY - MAY 21:  Zander Lombard of South Africa plays a shot during the final round of The Rocco Forte Open at The Verdura Golf and Spa Resort on
Image: Lombard signed for a three-under 68 on Sunday

"I'm very happy with how I kept myself in contention," Lombard said. "He's a great champion, he's won in the past and it's nice to see him win again.

"I'm very pleased with this performance going into next week and hopefully I can keep this form up.

European Tour Golf

"It's a good consolation prize to get into Wentworth. I suppose winning isn't everything but I can't complain, losing in a play-off - it's anybody's game with this wind."

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