Olesen holds off fast-charging Wood to win Sicilian Open for first victory

Thorbjorn Olesen of Denmark shot a 69 to win the Sicilian Open by one shot on Sunday, holding off England’s Chris Wood, who tied the course record with an 8-under 64.

Olesen made six birdies to finish with an overall 15-under 273 at Verdura Golf and Spa Resort for his first career victory on the European Tour.

Wood picked up five shots in his first five holes -- including an eagle on the par-5 fourth -- and tied for the lead when Olesen bogeyed after hitting a wild approach shot to the 13th green. But the 22-year-old Olesen, who led by three shots overnight, recovered with a birdie on No. 14 and finished with four straight pars.

Olesen had a mixed opening, carding two bogeys and two birdies over his first five holes. He had started the day with a three-shot advantage, but soon found himself pegged back as Wood joined him on 14 under.

Wood, 24 and himself seeking his first European Tour crown, picked up another shot with a further birdie on 14, but blotted his scorecard with a bogey on the par-5 17th, which ultimately proved costly.

Olesen's compatriot Soren Kjeldsen (68) and Belgium's Nicolas Colsaerts (69) finished tied for third with Spain's Jose Manuel Lara (68) a further stroke back in fifth despite three bogeys on his back nine. And John Daly finished seven shots off the pace after a closing 70.