France’s Julien Quesne clinched his second European Tour title Sunday when he won the Italian Open by one shot despite starting the final round four shots off the pace.
The 33-year-old went through the back nine in 31, picking up birdies at the 10th, 11th and 15th holes.
He then chipped in from short of the 17th green and putted from six feet for another birdie on the last to complete a closing 67.
That gave him a 12-under-par total and a one-shot win over Ireland’s David Higgins and England’s Steve Webster.
“I am very proud of this back nine. My attitude was very good this week and I think this is the key,” said Quesne, whose previous title came at the Andalucia Open in 2012.
“To enjoy a second win on the European Tour is like a dream for me.
“I am surprised to be here. The flags were very difficult all week so it was very difficult to make birdies and easy to make some bogeys.”
Overnight leader Marcus Fraser of Australia three-putted the 15th and dropped another shot on the par-three 16th.
Fraser eventually signed for a 74 to finish joint eighth on nine under.
Home hope Francesco Molinari, who joined the Turin club when he was just eight, came home in 39 to finish seven under.
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