Joakimides happy in Normandy

Nicolas Joakimides won the 6th Open International de Normandie with -18 total. Thomas Linard and Gareth Shaw shared second place one stroke back.

It was kind of a boring last round until last group teed off the 14th hole. France’s Nicolas Joakimides just holed for birdie on 13th and had a 5 stroke advantage. Then he missed his tee shot and landed in the bush. He deemed his ball unplayable, dropped behind and could only find the fairway with small shot. From there, missed the green, ended in the buker, got out short and holed 12 meters for double bogey.

The crowd applaused and shout louder than for an eagle! He dropped 2 shots in a row on the 15the and 16th. Meanwhile, Thomas Linard and Gareth Shaw came close to the top of the leadrboard. Joakimides playing partner Fabien Marty missed two golden opportunities to come to -18 on 16th and 17th.

On the last hole, Nicolas Joakimides walked to the green to check the leaderboard. He still had one shot advantege after great shot in the middle of the fairway. His wedge shot to the flag was one of the best of the day, 3 meters from the target. Marty missed the green and could not save par.

“The story of the day -Joakimides said- is that even when your are in a bad position and struggling, there is still hope. It was very close, only one shot but beleive me, I am very happy with this win. My target is alway to play on Tour. My game is still improving and I play better and better.”

Gareth Shaw is the new leader of the Alps Tour ranking, Thomas Linard is now second.

From Saint-Saens
By Agathe Séron