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Colsaerts ends 7-year drought by winning French Open

Updated Mar. 5, 2020 1:25 a.m. ET

SAINT-QUENTIN-EN-YVELINES, France (AP) — Nicolas Colsaerts of Belgium ended more than seven years without a victory when he closed with a 1-over 72 and survived a wild back nine at Le Golf National to win the French Open on Sunday.

It was Colsaerts first victory since the Volvo World Match Play in 2012, when he was No. 32 in the world and played a role in Europe's record comeback to win the Ryder Cup at Medinah.

Colsaerts played 214 tournaments worldwide since that last victory.

This one wasn't easy, even after he stretched his lead to five shots early in the final round.

He had to chip in for eagle on the par-5 14th to regain the lead. Colsaerts gave it right back with a double bogey on the next hole. Joachim Hansen then made double bogey on the 17th hole that allowed Colsaerts to take the lead again.

Colsaerts closed with three pars for a one-shot victory over Hansen, who closed with a 68. George Coetzee, who led by two shots with six holes to play, made triple bogey on the 15th hole and shot 71 to finish two shots behind.

Colsaerts began the week trying to keep his full European Tour card. He was No. 424 in the world ranking, and his third European Tour victory moves him back into the top 200 at No. 195.

"It's been a long road," Colsaerts said, emotional in victory. "I went through ups and downs for so many years now."

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