Rank outsider becomes French fancy in Kent

In a field that included Asia's best golfer of 2008, the current world No4 and a possible future world No1, it was a man ranked 449th in the world that took the European Open title on Sunday.

Christian Cevaer won only his second European Tour event this week at Kent's London Golf Club by one shot, finishing ahead of Spanish sensation Alvaro Quiros, Scot Gary Orr and England's Steve Webster.

The Frenchman displayed a steely determination to get the job done in testing conditions in South East England – his total of 281 was 13 strokes more than it took Ross Fisher to win the event last year – and the fact he tamed the treacherous 18th proves he deserved the €341,220 (Dh1.76m) winners' cheque.

The imposing final hole laid claim to 154 bogeys, 48 doubles and 26 sevens or worse. However, Cevaer managed to play it par-par-birdie-par to take the crown and help secure a five-year exemption to the Tour.

Not bad for someone who had missed the cut in six of his past 11 events. The 39-year-old has hardly been in sparkling form all season, having failed to record a top-30 finish, but should take pride in his victory considering the stress he was under going into the tournament.

An acrimonious split from his management company and a heavily pregnant wife were put to one side as he focused on his skillful short game and fine putting to capture his first trophy in five years. He may not be top-100 material, but Cevaer showed the resolve of some of the world's best to win in Kent.

Keep up with the latest business news from the region with the daily Emirates Business 24|7 newsletter. To subscribe to the newsletter, please click here.