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| Masters 2016: Champion Danny Willett first British victor in 20 years |
Danny Willett claimed a
shock Masters win with a superb five-under-par 67 as 2015 champion Jordan
Spieth crumbled during a thrilling final round.
BBC
Sport report continues:
The
Englishman, 28, won his first major by three shots on five under to become the
first British victor in 20 years.
Overnight
leader Spieth, 22, led by five shots as he approached the 10th at Augusta, but
the American dramatically dropped six shots in three holes.
He ended with a one-over
73, tying for second with England's Lee Westwood. |
Masters
2016: Champion Danny Willett on his 'crazy, crazy day'
|
Danny
Willett felt fate played a part in him becoming Masters champion after a
remarkable final round at Augusta.
Willett's
wife Nicole had been due to give birth on Sunday, but Zachariah James Willett
arrived 12 days early on 30 March to allow him to play.
"My
wife was born 28 years ago on Monday and my son came early," said Willett,
who won by three shots after Jordan Spieth's dramatic capitulation.
"You
talk about fate and everything that comes with it. It's been crazy."
The
28-year-old took advantage of defending champion Spieth dropping six shots in
three holes to win his first major on five under.
He
became the first European winner since Spaniard Jose Maria Olazabal in 1999,
and the fourth British champion after Nick Faldo (1989, 1990, 1996), Sandy Lyle
(1988) and Ian Woosnam (1991).
American
Spieth, who was seeking back-to-back Green Jackets, finished tied for second
alongside Willett's compatriot and playing partner Lee Westwood on two under.
"On
this rare occasion I'm nearly speechless," added Willett, who moves up to
ninth in the world rankings. "It's been a fantastic week on and off the
golf course.
"It's
been one of those crazy weeks where things seem to go your way. The 80th
Masters is always going to be special and dear to my heart.
"People
were saying 'Try to bring the Green Jacket home for the little man'. It's a bit
big but I am sure he will grow into it."
"You
can't really describe the emotions and feelings," added Willett, who
started the day on level par.
"We
all try to play good golf and someone has to win and fortunately today it was
my day.
"Every
time we seemed to make ground, Jordan kept pulling ahead. We kept trying to dig
in. I thought we had to get to seven under and we looked up and Jordan was
already seven.
"It
was a very surreal day when you look back at the ebbs and flows."
Reaction to Willett's win
"This
isn't a shock win, Danny Willett has been playing great for two years now. Gave
Rory a run for his money in Race To Dubai last year." - England's former
world number one Luke Donald.
"Danny
Willett well done that man.... And a new baby that was due today... The name
Augusta sounds pretty good." - Ryder Cup star Ian Poulter, who finished in
a tie for 49th.
"Congrats
Danny Willett incredible stuff enjoy all that's coming your way you deserve it
all." - Scotland's 1999 Open winner Paul Lawrie.
"Tears
in this household Danny Willett. You little beauty." - Former England
cricket captain Michael Vaughan.
"Enjoy
tonight Danny Willett get down the local in your Green Jacket when you're home
for a pint of mild." - Yorkshire and England bowler Tim Bresnan.
"Not
often we've been able to say it but an Englishman is Masters champion.
Congratulations Danny Willett." - Former England striker Michael Owen.
"What a round by Danny
Willett! Always good to see an English winner! Masters champion!" -
Tottenham and England striker Harry Kane.
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