Brendan Jones of Australia (AFP)
Overnight leader Brendan Jones of Australia eagled the final hole for a two-under-par 70 to win the Taiheiyo Masters men's golf tournament on Sunday.
Starting the day with a two-stroke lead, Jones was tied with Japan's Toru Taniguchi after the 17th hole, but the Australian sank a nine-metre eagle putt from the edge of the green on the par-five final hole for victory.
Jones finished the day with one eagle, two birdies against two bogeys for a fourth-round total of 14-under-par 274.
Although Taniguchi carded a birdie on the final hole for five birdies against one bogey, it was not enough to catch up with the Australian, finishing second -- one stroke behind Jones.
Adam Scott was third on 277, followed by fellow Australians Geoff Ogilvy, the 2006 US Open champion, and Chris Campbell, both one stroke further back.
"I can't believe what happened in the last 10 minutes," said a jubilant Jones, who punched the air at the moment he eagled.
"I didn't even think to get the putt in, I was trying to get the putt close. It wasn't a miracle shot, but it's amazing. It's a Tiger Woods moment.
"I know most of the people today have been hoping for a Taniguchi victory, but I have a lot of supporters in Japan, not only this year or this tournament, I've played here the last six years.
"I love playing in Japan and I hope to play in Japan many, many years," added Jones, who received the winner's check of 30 million yen (268,000 dollars).
It was his second title of the season following his victory in the Tsuruya Open in April, and seventh overall on the Japan tour.
© 2007 AFP/sid
