TURIN, Italy (AP) — Fredrik Andersson Hed of Sweden won the Italian Open by two shots Sunday after shooting a 1-over 73, his first tournament victory in 245 attempts.
Andersson Hed, who led by six strokes heading into the last day, totaled 16-under 272 at the Royal Park course to end a 13-year drought and pick up $285,877 in prize money.
"It means a lot for me to win, both ranking wise on the Tour and self-belief," said Andersson Hed, who first joined the tour in 1992 but has had 14 visits to its qualifying school. "I was very tense over the final round, especially the front nine, and then only felt relaxed a bit when I hit some good shots on 10 and 11. But it is not so much a weight off my shoulders that much as a joy after all the hard work I have put in over the years.
"I have had a couple of chances already this year, and I felt if I kept doing what I was doing I would have a chance and hopefully stay on top one day."
David Horsey shot a 68 to finish second, his best result of the season. The Englishman drew level with Andersson Hed at the 13th hole, but blew any chance of claiming his first Tour victory by bogeying the final hole.
Peter Gustafsson of Sweden (66), Nicola Colsearts of Belgium (70) and Chris Wood of England (70) shared third place at 276.
Italian teenager Matteo Manasssero (71) ended his first event as a professional in a tie for 29th at 283. The 17-year-old Manasssero's next event will be the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth starting May 20.
"I am already liking the lifestyle of a professional," Manasssero said. "I had much crowd support this week and I am enjoying it."
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