Suneson breaks duck after 18 years

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ST OMER, France -- Carl Suneson ended an 18-year wait for his first European tour title on Sunday when he won the St Omer Open by three shots.

A closing two-under 69 for an eight-under 276 allowed the 39-year-old Spaniard to head Australian veteran Peter Fowler, Briton Marcus Higley and Frenchman Francois Calmels for the $111,320 first prize.

Suneson came to St Omer languishing in 188th place on the European tour money list with a 14th visit to a qualifying school in prospect.

His first full tour success, the tour's 13th maiden win of the season, now assures him a one-year exemption for the 2008 season.

"It's all worthwhile now, it's a challenge just to play this game professionally," Suneson told reporters.

"I've had thyroid and diabetes problems which often held me back, but knowing there's always room for improvement in my game has kept me going."

Suneson, born in the Canary Islands to an English mother and Swedish father, chose to represent Spain as a professional.

He can now look forward to a start in next week's lucrative BMW International in Munich and he automatically qualifies for the Champions tournament in China later in the year, for which world number one Tiger Woods is entered.

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