Couples' final birdie secures Miss. title

BILOXI, Miss., March 25 (UPI) -- Fred Couples recorded a birdie on the final regulation hole Sunday, handing him a one-shot victory over Michael Allen at the Mississippi Gulf Resort Classic.

Couples eked out his seventh Champions Tour win with a round of 3-under 69, finishing at 14-under 202 on the Fallen Oak Golf Club course.

Allen fell a bit short at minus-13 despite carding a bogey-free, 6-under 66.

Second round co-leader Jeff Sluman stumbled to a 1-over 73, falling into a share of third place. Joining him at 10-under 206 was Tom Pernice Jr. (69).

Sharing fifth place one shot further back were Bill Glasson (69), Jim Thorpe (72) and Bobby Clampett (71).