Fitzpatrick defends European Masters title with playoff triumph

Matt Fitzpatrick has become the first player in 40 years to successfully defend the European Masters at the stunning Crans-sur-Sierre in Switzerland.

Fitzpatrick, who was agonisingly denied a European Ryder Cup wildcard pick earlier in the week, birdied the 72nd hole to reach 17-under par and force a playoff with Lucas Bjerregaard, before going on to birdie the 18th hole once again to collect his fifth European Tour title.

The 24-year-old now becomes the youngest Englishman to get to five wins having won every season since coming through Q-School in 2014. 

"This is what I wanted to achieve this season - another win,” said Fitzpatrick “To get it here again is so special and to get my fifth is amazing. I love this place.

"Of all my wins I'd say that was definitely the most difficult. I didn't have my A game today, despite loving this place I just didn't play my best today. I managed to grind it out, made some crucial birdies coming in and I'm delighted. This is one of my best."

Seve Ballesteros was the last player to win back-to-back European Masters title.