Italy wins first World Cup
BY Bruce Young | Asian Tour | 2009 Omega Mission Hills World Cup | Round Four | 29 Nov 2009
Italy has won its first World Cup of Golf this week after a gripping final few holes eventually saw them the winners by one shot over the defending champions Sweden and the pre-tournament favourites Ireland at the Mission Hills Golf Club in China.
The Italian team of Edoardo Molinari and his brother Francesco have been in fine form in 2009, Edoardo dominating the Challenge Tour in Europe and just last week defeating Robert Karlsson in a playoff to win the Dunlop Phoenix in Japan while Francesco has just completed his best season in Europe.
Karlssson would again finish runner up to Edoardo, the Swede joining forces with Henrik Stenson to finish in a share of second with the Irish team of Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell.
The final day of Foursomes turned in to a dramatic affair, Ireland taking a one shot lead into day four and looking to control things when they moved three ahead by the turn. They were unable to make any further progress and a succession of birdies by the Italians saw them take control and hang on in a dramatic finish.
The English pairing of Ian Poulter and Ross Fisher saved their best to last with a superb final round of 64 following up their Fourball round of 63 on Saturday.
The Australian team of Robert Allenby and Stuart Appleby recovered from a slow start to the week to finish with rounds of 62 and 67 to finish 6th.
New Zealanders David Smail and Danny Lee finished in 21st position.
