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.
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.
Comment 1 - 19 of 19
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!
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 !!!!!!
No bottle Brits again
No bottle Brits again
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...................
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
well done angel, great performance, now go and win them all.
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?
#3 .... a sad sweaty... congrats Angel
Had a whole 1.00{pound}on cabrera at 150/1 cheers mate
John Merrick? I thought he was the Elephant Man.
golf
Well done Angel and John M
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.
tiger where were ye!!!
CONGRATS TO ANGEL....... FEEL VERY SORRY FOR KENNY PERRY.. DESERVED TO WIN AS FAR AS IM CONCERNED
FANTASTIC,well done Angel,well done ARGENTINA,SCOTLAND salutes you.
congrats ...
Well done Angel!!!!
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