Noren wins the European Masters

MONTANA, Switzerland, Sept. 6 (UPI) -- Alexander Noren shot a 5-under-par 66 Sunday and won the European Masters Golf Tournament at Crans-Montana, Switzerland by two strokes.

He grabbed the lead with an 8-under 63 Saturday and went on to record his first career European Tour tournament victory.

Noren's 72-hole total, 20-under 264, beat runner-up Bradley Dredge (65), who finished 18-under 266 after making pars at the final three holes.

"I learned from last time when I was leading by one," said Noren, who lost the 54-hole lead at the 2007 Portugal Open. "All the guys were posting low rounds so I needed to post one myself."

An eagle at the par-5 15th secured his victory.

Ross McGowan (65) finished third at 17-under 267, and at 15-under 269, Miguel Angel Jimenez (67) was fourth.

McGowan never took advantage of several chances to seize the top spot in the closing round.