Fitzpatrick retains European Masters title

Matt Fitzpatrick became the first man since Seve Ballesteros to successfully defend his European Masters title in Switzerland.

The Englishman, who was overlooked for a Ryder Cup wild card in midweek, followed in the footsteps of Ballesteros, who won back-to-back titles in 1977 and 1978.

Fitzpatrick came into the final round with a two-shot lead but in the end got the job done on a play-off hole as he beat Lucas Bjerregaard.

Bjerregaard, who started the final round four shots behind Fitzpatrick, was the clubhouse leader after a stunning seven-under-par 63 overhauled the Englishman and Frenchman Mike Lorenzo-Vera.

Fitzpatrick birdied the 18th to level with the Dane on 17 under and forced an extra hole and then repeated the trick thanks to an awesome approach following a wayward tee shot in the play-off.

Bjerregaard missed his birdie putt, allowing Fitzpatrick to sink a 10-footer and claim a fifth European Tour title.

Lorenzo-Vera was a contender until a double bogey on the par-five 14th and he sent his approach shot into the water on the 18th chasing a birdie that would have earned him a place in the play-off.

Bjerregaard was helped by Fitzpatrick carding two bogeys in his opening six holes, but the Dane was imperious in posting seven birdies in his blemish-free round.

A 38-minute wait did for him, though, as Fitzpatrick held the advantage in the play-off.