Robert Rock shot a five-under-par 67 to win the Italian Open by a shot after a thrilling final day in Turin.
Olesen fires closing 62 but has to settle for share of second
Robert Rock shot a five-under-par 67 to win the Italian Open by a shot after a thrilling final day in Turin.
The 34-year-old Englishman broke his European Tour title drought after eight years on tour and three runner-up places, thanks to seven birdies on Sunday.
But it was a gutsy par on 17 that ultimately proved crucial, as he held off the challenge of England's Gary Boyd and Dane Thorbjorn Olesen.
Olesen started the day six shots off the pace in a tie for 18th place, but charged to the top of the leaderboard after going out in seven under 29 and eventually signed for a 62.
Overnight leader Rock dropped back after playing the first four holes in one-over, but a run of four successive birdies from the fifth got him back on the pace.
He birdied the 10th to go level with Olesen - who by now was in the clubhouse - then made a two-putt four at the par five 11th to go one clear.
But he immediately dropped a shot after failing to get up and down from the fringe on the short 12th.
Rock's response was typically gutsy as he holed a 10-foot birdie putt at 13 to go one clear again and he stayed there after three straight pars.
His moment of alarm came at 17 after he carved his tee shot into trees on the right and his attempted low slider came up 70 yards short of the pin. But he played a wedge to 15 feet and then drained the par putt.
With no bogeys all day at the par five 18th, that effectively won him the tournament and he duly made a regulation two-putt par to claim the trophy, 250,000 Euros and a place in next week's US Open.
Fantastic feeling
"I have been waiting a long time to be even in with a chance of doing this," Rock told
Sky Sports. "I played good today so I am very happy.
"It's a fantastic feeling, it's one of my favourite courses now. Since they changed the venue I have done well here.
"I was expecting to do well this week but not really expecting this."
Runner-up Olesen added: "It was amazing to start with two birdies and then hole my second shot for an eagle at the third. I think it's the first time I've holed a full shot in a tournament so it felt magic.
"Just 23 putts today. I spoke to Thomas Bjorn after my third round and he gave me a little lesson, so thanks Thomas!
"My golf has been good last week and this week. I found something in my swing."
