The frantic battle to secure places in Europe's Ryder Cup team was the last thing on the mind of the Frenchman Gregory Havret at Gleneagles on Sunday as he courageously held on to his overnight lead to secure victory in the Johnnie Walker Championship by a single stroke from Graeme Storm.
Havret's careful surveying of the putt he faced to win the tournament was reduced to a side issue as the attention focused on Nick Faldo's two wild card choices for the forthcoming battle with the Americans.
It was a big moment for Havret, though, after he had nervously shanked his third shot to the par five closing hole. He regained his composure to splash out from a greenside bunker to leave his ball a tantalising 10 feet from the flag.
He then showed tremendous character to find the middle of the cup to spark the now commonplace celebrations of a drenching by champagne.
It was Havret's second victory on Scottish soil. He won the 2007 Scottish Open after a tense play-off against Phil Mickelson, the world No 2 from the United States.
"I remember last year at Loch Lomond I also needed to get up and down from the trap to win," said a relieved Havret at the end of what he described as a 'tough' day.
Havret knew he had no chance of making the Ryder Cup team but his Gleneagles triumph lifted him to 29th in the points list. England's Storm had looked like snatching that big prize with a tremendous back nine of 32 to set the club house lead at 13 under par.
Sweden's Peter Hanson had earlier posted a creditable 69 to complete his four rounds in an 11 under par 281 and claim a share of third place with England's David Howell.
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At a glance
Global events: Much of the UK’s economic woes were blamed on “increased global uncertainty”, which can be interpreted as the economic impact of the Ukraine war and the uncertainty over Donald Trump’s tariffs.
Growth forecasts: Cut for 2025 from 2 per cent to 1 per cent. The OBR watchdog also estimated inflation will average 3.2 per cent this year
Welfare: Universal credit health element cut by 50 per cent and frozen for new claimants, building on cuts to the disability and incapacity bill set out earlier this month
Spending cuts: Overall day-to day-spending across government cut by £6.1bn in 2029-30
Tax evasion: Steps to crack down on tax evasion to raise “£6.5bn per year” for the public purse
Defence: New high-tech weaponry, upgrading HM Naval Base in Portsmouth
Housing: Housebuilding to reach its highest in 40 years, with planning reforms helping generate an extra £3.4bn for public finances
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Qyubic
Started: October 2023
Founder: Namrata Raina
Based: Dubai
Sector: E-commerce
Current number of staff: 10
Investment stage: Pre-seed
Initial investment: Undisclosed
The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
Dates for the diary
To mark Bodytree’s 10th anniversary, the coming season will be filled with celebratory activities:
- September 21 Anyone interested in becoming a certified yoga instructor can sign up for a 250-hour course in Yoga Teacher Training with Jacquelene Sadek. It begins on September 21 and will take place over the course of six weekends.
- October 18 to 21 International yoga instructor, Yogi Nora, will be visiting Bodytree and offering classes.
- October 26 to November 4 International pilates instructor Courtney Miller will be on hand at the studio, offering classes.
- November 9 Bodytree is hosting a party to celebrate turning 10, and everyone is invited. Expect a day full of free classes on the grounds of the studio.
- December 11 Yogeswari, an advanced certified Jivamukti teacher, will be visiting the studio.
- February 2, 2018 Bodytree will host its 4th annual yoga market.
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The%20specs
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Specs
Engine: Duel electric motors
Power: 659hp
Torque: 1075Nm
On sale: Available for pre-order now
Price: On request
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