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Roger takes Rio Chapman defeats Harrington on second hole of playoff
Posted: Sunday March 26, 2000 05:38 PM
RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil (AP) -- Englishman Robert Chapman edged out Ireland's Padraig Harrington on the second extra hole Sunday to win the inaugural Brazil Rio de Janeiro 500 Years Open at Itanhanga Golf Club. Chapman and Harrington each fired 18-under-par 270 after the four-round competition. But Harrington drove into the water on the second exta hole leaving Chapman to make par and seal his first victory in 472 attempts covering 19 years on the European tour. "It's amazing after 19 years on Tour. This is the best feeling in the world. It's everything I thought it would and more. I've got the monkey off my back at last," Chapman said following the match. Harrington and Chapman fought for the lead throughout the final nine holes, with Chapman birdieing the long 15th and 16th to move in front, before Harrington matched his birdie at the 15th. At the 72nd hole, Chapman charged his first putt from 30 feet (9 meters). He holed confidently, leaving Harrington to par in to secure a spot in the play-off. At the first extra hole, Chapman drove into water and made a bogey five after a penalty drop. Harrington gave Chapman room to breathe again by three putting from long range. Then Harrington put his tee shot into the water hazard on the second extra hole, and Chapman didn't waste time, striking a superb five iron 187 yards (170 meters) to the heart of the green and two putting for the win. "I wish I had won, but I couldn't have lost to a nicer guy. He has been out there for a long time and deserves it after all those years," Harrington said.
Argentina's Jose Coceres took third place at 17-under 271. Sweden's Joakim Heggman and Argentine Jorge Berendt tied for fourth at 15-under 273.
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