30/07/2001

Stanley wins Senior British Open

Ian Stanley has won the Senior British Open after a play-off victory against two times winner Bob Charles at Royal County Down.

The 52-year-old Australian led for most of the day but 65-year-old Charles doggedly drew level when he birdied the 13th. From then on in it was a fantastic battle between the two southern hemisphere players who eventually had to contest this year’s championships via a playoff after both finishing on a score of 278 after 72 holes.

Stanley eventually won the opening play-off extra hole ensuring his first ever Senior Open success.

Meanwhile, Jack Nicklaus, playing in his first, and possibly last, Senior British Open, had to settle for a joint-third finish with England's John Morgan - three shots behind the two leaders.

Nicklaus threatened the very top of the leaderboard when he eagled the 12th hole to edge to within two shots of Stanley. However, despite having several good birdie chances on the back nine, never managed to get closer to the lead.

Nicklaus afterwards was non-committal about whether he will play in the Senior British Open again due to continuing problems with his back and hip which are currently giving him trouble. (MB)

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