Adrian Meronk has boosted his hopes of a Ryder Cup wildcard by winning the Italian Open at the course which will stage the 2023 event.
The world number 63 when into the tournament at the Marco Simeone GC as a relative outsider to be selected by Europe captain Luke Donald.
While that remains the case to some degree, the Pole has put himself into the thoughts of the team skipper with a one-shot victory in Rome.
The 29-year-old has been the most consistent all week, a final-round 69 following his scores of 68, 68 and 66 in the three preceding days.
Adrian Meronk wins for the third time on Tour 🏆@AdrianMeronk | #DS80OpendItalia pic.twitter.com/kK1Hmm8hzm
— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) May 7, 2023
Meronk was far from his best on Sunday, recording as many as four bogeys, but six birdies, including two on the final three holes, saw him edge out Romain Langasque.
As well as putting himself in line to shoot up the World Golf Rankings, Meronk now also sits in fourth position in the Race To Dubai standings.
Julien Guerrier, who led ahead of the concluding 18 holes, could only register a 73 on Sunday to finish three shots off the pace in third.
Denmark's Nicolai Hojgaard, another potential wildcard pick, made a final-round 65 to claim a share of fifth spot, while fellow contender Victor Perez was in a tie for ninth.
Darren Plant
