KEY POINTS:
New Zealand's Simon Owen confirmed his return to form by capturing golf's Italian Seniors Open in a four-man playoff, capping a fascinating final day at the Circolo Golf Venezia yesterday.
He secured a top prize of €30,000 ($56,500) and his first title for six years. His previous win was the 2001 Tunisian Seniors Open, which also came in extra holes.
The other New Zealander in the field, tour debutant Jim Lapsley, finished in a share of 41st place.
England's Carl Mason made a brilliant attempt to snatch glory. Nine strokes off the pace overnight, he stormed through the field with a final round of seven-under 65 to post the clubhouse target of eight-under 208.
That was enough to make it into the playoff with fellow Englishman Tony Allen, American John Benda and Owen.
The quartet returned to the 18th where Owen struck the decisive blow with a majestic wedge to 60cm (2 feet) that set up a winning birdie.
- NZPA