Rory McIlroy triumphs at'Irish Open: 20th win on European circuit

The K Club, west of Dublin, hosted a spectacular Irish Open. In a five-way battle to the last shot, Rory McIlroy got the better of Joakim Lagergren in the playoff, earning his 20th victory on the DP World Tour.

Starting the decisive round four shots behind leader Adrien Saddier, McIlroy made up ground quickly thanks to four birdies in the first nine holes, igniting the Irish fans. Saddier held on with good saves, but lost ground after a mistake on the 8th.

Halfway through the final round, five players were still in the running for victory. Saddier, who had been very accurate on Saturday, struggled to attack the flags and paid two bogeys that ousted him from the title race. He finished with a +2 for the day (74), in 5th place at -13, along with Spaniard Angel Ayora.

McIlroy took the lead at the 13th with a spectacular birdie, but was joined by Rafa Cabrera Bello, Angel Hidalgo and overtaken by Lagergren, who scored an eagle at the 16th thanks to a perfect approach. The Swede then signed a birdie on 18 to close at -17 and wait in the clubhouse.

As happened a year ago, McIlroy found himself forced to make an eagle on the last hole to force a playoff. This time he made no mistake: greens reached in two strokes and an eight-foot putt tucked in amid the explosion of the crowd.

The playoff was resolved in the third round: after two balanced holes, Lagergren sent the ball into the water, while McIlroy closed with his third consecutive birdie to take the trophy with authority.