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Noren secures victory in Wales Open

Alexander Noren was claiming only his second ever victory on the European Tour.
Alexander Noren was claiming only his second ever victory on the European Tour.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
  • Alex Noren claims a two-stroke victory in the Wales Open at Celtic Manor
  • The Swede adds the title to his European Masters success in 2009
  • The win completes a superb week for Noren, who also qualified for the U.S. Open

(CNN) -- Sweden's Alex Noren has secured his second European Tour title by claiming a two-stroke victory in the Wales Open at Celtic Manor.

The 28-year-old, whose other success came in the 2009 European Masters, carded a final round 70 for a nine-under-par total of 275, with Dane Anders Hansen and Gregory Bourdy of France sharing second place.

Noren's compatriots Peter Hanson and Johan Edfors, along with Ricardo Gonzalez of Argentina and Spain's Pablo Larrazabal, all tied for third place a further shot behind.

Champion McDowell implodes in Wales

The victory caps a superb week for Noren, who began it by qualifying for the U.S. Open at the Congressional Country Club, and he will now be looking to emulate Graeme McDowell, who won last year's Wales Open before doubling up with victory in the second major of the season.

Noren told the official European Tour website: "My driving has been the best it's ever been.

I've proved to myself I can hit a lot of greens and not just rely on my short game
--Alexander Noren
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"I never really believed I could do well on tough courses, but now we play them all the time. I've proved to myself I can hit a lot of greens and not just rely on my short game," he added.

Norenh held his nerve on the final stretch, parring the final three holes to seal the win after a bogey on the par four 15th.

"Alex is such a good guy, and he really deserves to win. He's been playing great golf this year," a magnanimous Hansen told the European Tour website.

However, Noren has no time to rest on his laurels and now travels to Sunningdale in southern England for two rounds of British Open qualification, starting on Monday.

Meanwhile, American Steve Stricker eagled two of the first five holes as he carded a three-under par 69 to maintain his three-shot lead after the third round of the Memorial tournament at Muirfield Village, Ohio.

Jonathan Byrd also fired a 69 to stay three strokes adrift with Matt Kuchar and Brandt Jobe a further shot behind on 208.