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Graeme McDowell is now firmly placed in the world Top 10. AP Photo/Bret Hartman
Winning Feeling

Graeme McDowell wins 2nd title in a month after Matchplay fightback

The Northern Irish golfer produced a string of birdies on the back nine to beat Thongchai Jaidee.

GRAEME MCDOWELL’S HOT STREAK continued in Bulgaria this afternoon when he defeated Thai golfer Thongchai Jaidee 2&1 in the final of the Volvo World Matchplay Championship.

The Portrush native, who won the Heritage on the PGA Tour in America last month, was 2 Down after six holes before gaining a shot back on the par three seventh. His iron approach was exquisite and, for the first time this afternoon, his fist was pumping as a birdie putt dropped.

A stalemate ensued over the next four holes, played out in a spectacular, cliff-side setting at the Thracian Cliffs Golf Resort before McDowell got back in the birdie groove. The Northern Irishman, who defeated Branden Grace 3&2 in his semi-final, levelled the match by picking up a shot on 12 as Jaidee could only par.

McDowell hit the front on the par 5 14th with another birdie and repeated the feat, with a birdie 3, on the next hole.

Now 2 Up with three to play, McDowell played safe, smart golf and closed out with a par putt to capture the title in Bulgaria.

McDowell is currently ranked eighth in the world and his latest triumph may be enough to elevate him to seventh, ahead of South African Louis Oosthuizen. The winners’ cheque for McDowell is €800,000.

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