Sports Then and Now

Thomas Bjorn claimed the Omega European Masters in a playoff.

Thomas Bjorn has had impressive two weeks, securing two titles and enhancing his reputation in the process.

The vastly-experienced Dane won a five-man play-off at Gleneagles to win the Johnny Walker Championship and followed it up with securing the Omega European Masters in Switzerland.

The 40-year-old showed his coolness under pressure in Scotland a fortnight ago, with five great playoff holes and sent a message down to the other players vying for a Ryder Cup place.

The qualifying for next year’s event started this week and a nine-under-par 62 not only saw him shoot the lowest round of his European Tour career, but also ensured he made strides for the race for the major tournament.

His feat in Switzerland was all the more impressive as US Open champions Rory McIlroy and former number-one ranked players Lee Westwood and Martin Kaymer, who he beat by four shots, were both in contention heading into the final day before Bjorn blew them away with some influential strokeplay and immaculate putting.

Bjorn, who has won three trophies this year, birdied the last five holes to secure an epic victory and is something he will cherish for years to come.

The way I finished was special and it’s been an amazing two weeks. I started hitting my wedges so well last week and kept it going,” he told Sportinglife.

“At the end you think nothing can go wrong. Golf seems easy sometimes and you have to remember that when you are not playing well.”

Those looking at free bets note how Bjorn is now back in the world’s top 30, sitting 28th after moving up 21 places following his two victories, while former World Number one Tiger Woods has continued his slide down the rankings by dropping another six places to 44th.

Webb Simpson’s victory in the Deutsche Championship propelled him into 14th from 27th.

Englishman Luke Donald continues to occupy top spot, fending off the challenges of Westwood and Kaymer, who are second and third.

McIlroy – who many have placed a free bet on to become No.1 before long – continues to linger in fourth, one place ahead of Steve Stricker.