The Masters - Cabrera triumphs in Augusta play-off

Eurosport - Mon, 13 Apr 13:54:00 2009

Argentina's Angel Cabrera won his second Major with a nerve-jangling play-off victory at the US Masters, becoming the first South American to claim the prized green jacket at Augusta National.

2009 Masters champion Angel Cabrera of Argentina receives the green jacket from 2008 champion Trevor Immelman at Augusta, April 2009 - 0

The 2007 US Open champion edged out Americans Kenny Perry and Chad Campbell at Augusta National as he clinched the title with a par four at the second extra hole.

After hitting his approach to 12 feet at the 10th, the 39-year-old Cabrera calmly two-putted before raising his right arm in celebration.

Perry, 48, bidding to become golf's oldest Major winner, overshot the green with his approach at the 10th and was unable to save par after chipping back 18 feet past the cup.

Campbell, like Perry seeking his first Major triumph, dropped out when he bogeyed the first extra hole after hitting his approach into a bunker at the par-four 18th.

Fellow Argentine Roberto De Vicenzo came close to Masters glory in 1968 only to submit an incorrect scorecard, giving American Bob Goalby a one-shot victory instead of sending the year's first major to a play-off.

However, De Vicenzo had already become the first South American to win a Major in the 1967 Open at Hoylake.

On a sun-soaked day at Augusta, Cabrera signed off with a 71 for a 12-under total of 276, finishing level with Campbell (69) and Perry, who appeared to have the title within his grasp before bogeying 17 and 18 for a 71.

Japan's Shingo Katayama (68) birdied two of the last three holes to finish fourth at 10 under, a stroke ahead of twice former champion Phil Mickelson who covered the front nine in a record-equalling six-under-par 30 en route to a 67.

World number one and four-times winner Tiger Woods had to settle for a share of sixth place at eight under after bogeying the last two holes for a 68.

One of the longest hitters in the game, Cabrera held a share of the third-round lead with Perry and briefly edged a stroke in front by sinking a three-foot birdie putt at the par-four third.

His progress then stalled with bogeys at the fourth, fifth and 10th before he rallied over the last eight holes.

Much of the interest on a glorious spring afternoon was focused on the high-profile pairing of Mickelson and Woods as they treated a huge gallery to a dazzling display of shot-making in low-scoring conditions.

The heavyweight duo began the day seven strokes off the pace and Mickelson set the tone with a sizzling burst of six birdies in seven holes from the second.

His front nine matched the Masters record set by Johnny Miller in the third round in 1975 and equalled by Greg Norman (final round, 1988) and KJ Choi (second round, 2004).

The drama heightened when Mickelson double-bogeyed the par-three 12th after finding the water of Rae's Creek off the tee.

He immediately recovered with another birdie at the 13th, narrowly missed a 15-footer on 14 and surprisingly two-putted from four feet to birdie 15 and get to 10 under.

Woods, who had covered the front nine in 33, birdied 13, 15 and 16 where his tee shot ended five feet from the pin, to stay on track for a 15th Major title.

However, the two Americans signed off with matching bogeys on 18, Mickelson after driving into a fairway bunker and Woods after missing the fairway to the right and hitting a tree with his second shot.

Reuters

Comment 1 - 19 of 19

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  1. Well done Angel. To play that shot out of the trees on­ 72nd hole was very brave (almost stoopid !!) but­ deserved it just for that. The look on his face when it­ hit the last tree was priceless, he was truly amazed­ that it didn't finish 3ft from the hole!

    From tim.boxall, on Tue 14 Apr 11:17AM
  2. Just noticed Two Guys wearing THE FAMOUS HOOPS in the­ crowd as Cabrera sank the winning putt... That and a­ GREEN JACKET for the winner...MUST be Celtics year­ ....again !!!!!!

    From Joe M, on Mon 13 Apr 5:52PM
  3. No bottle Brits again

    From phil, on Mon 13 Apr 11:58AM
  4. No bottle Brits again

    From phil, on Mon 13 Apr 11:56AM
  5. michael C (comment 30) what a load of­ tosh........carbrera would NOT be denied entry to the­ United Kingdom because of the falklands war in­ 1982.......and when did america give the islands to­ argentina????? if you look at history you will see that­ since the discovery of the islands France, Britain,­ Spain and Argentina have all claimed possession at some­ time........does america own the world or something???­ lmao....back to reality...the best man won the­ masters....had the composure and the wisdom to play­ some fine golf. felt a little sorry for perry to blow­ up over the last 2 holes of regulation......mickleson­ must be kicking himeslef also as he could have very­ easily avoided that double bogey at the 12th and also­ got one of those 2 three or four footers. roll on the­ open at turnberry...................

    From james h, on Mon 13 Apr 11:43AM
  6. Well what a great way to finish the tournament thought­ he had blown it first play off hole as did the others 2­ players,he totally deserved that win WELL DONE to him­ glad. I stayed up to watch it

    From Alan L, on Mon 13 Apr 11:38AM
  7. well done angel, great performance, now go and win them­ all.

    From Gary S, on Mon 13 Apr 11:15AM
  8. Comment hidden due to its low rating. Show

    This guy is amazing,simply amazing. First the U.S.­ Open, then the Masters. Which major will be next?­ Either the PGA Championship or the British Open. He may­ not be allowed in Great Briton because of that­ Falklands exercise for a island that the USA gave to­ Argintina? That's where those so called­ Gaucho's come from isn't it?

    From Michael C, on Mon 13 Apr 10:58AM
  9. #3 .... a sad sweaty... congrats Angel

    From Imort, on Mon 13 Apr 9:37AM
  10. Had a whole 1.00{pound}on cabrera at 150/1 cheers mate

    From ANDREW M, on Mon 13 Apr 8:57AM
  11. John Merrick? I thought he was the Elephant Man.

    From Perry Neeham, on Mon 13 Apr 8:55AM
  12. Comment hidden due to its low rating. Show

    golf

    From CutPR, on Mon 13 Apr 2:46AM
  13. Well done Angel and John M

    From Alex D, on Mon 13 Apr 2:39AM
  14. I was offered 88-1 on Cabrera a fortnight ago.

    I­ thought it sounded a really good each-way bet. I only­ had £10 on me at the time ...

    Still, thank you Angel.

    From David, on Mon 13 Apr 2:11AM
  15. tiger where were ye!!!

    From jjbellis, on Mon 13 Apr 12:52AM
  16. CONGRATS TO ANGEL....... FEEL VERY SORRY FOR KENNY­ PERRY.. DESERVED TO WIN AS FAR AS IM CONCERNED

    From snugent13, on Mon 13 Apr 12:49AM
  17. FANTASTIC,well done Angel,well done ARGENTINA,SCOTLAND­ salutes you.

    From Steve, on Mon 13 Apr 12:46AM
  18. congrats ...

    From T, on Mon 13 Apr 12:45AM
  19. Well done Angel!!!!

    From shaunpry, on Mon 13 Apr 12:29AM
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