29/07/2013

Michael Hoey Secures Russian Open

Northern Ireland's Michael Hoey has won the Russian Open to claim his fifth European Tour title.

The 34-year-old golfer from Belfast won the tournament by four shots, finishing 16 under.

Alexandre Kaleka, from France, and England's Matthew Nixon tied in second place.

Speaking to europeantour.com, Hoey said: "I have absolutely loved the golf course this week.

"The putting was the key for me. I have been working hard on that a lot recently and the improvement is really showing because I made a lot of birdies.

"That is the main difference at this level. You have to be able to make a lot of putts because the standard is so high these days that it usually comes down to who makes the most putts.

"It's pretty amazing to think that I have won five European Tour titles. It is a great feeling to win and every time you do it you just want more and more.

"It has given me a great boost. I am not the most consistent player in the world but when I get into these positions I usually do okay."

The Russian Open is Hoey's first European Tour title since the Hassan Trophy in March 2012.

(JP/CD)

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