Nick adds finishing touch to lift hopes

Sep 25 2007 by Richard Williamson, Liverpool Daily Post

NICK DOUGHERTY’S roller-coaster ride at The Quinn Direct British Masters ended on a high note.

The Liverpool golfer had moved into a promising position at halfway after rounds of 72,68. But a third round 75 saw him tumble to 30th place and out of contention.

However with Ryder Cup points up for grabs, Dougherty is well aware of the need to finish as high as possible in every tournament.

And he signed off in style with a best of his week 32 for the back nine, including successive birdies at 12 and 13 and an eagle three at the 17th for a round of 67.

That was enough to lift him up to 11th overall on six under par 282, nine shots behind winner Lee Westwood.

Dougherty’s reward for his revival was a cheque for 43,690 euros and 31st place on the European Order of Merit with 776,377.

Warrington’s Phillip Archer faded from the title picture as the tournament wore on after an opening 68 boded well. He slipped back with rounds of 72 73 74 for a one under par total and 28th place overall. However his winnings of 23,214 euros mean he remains at a career best position in the rankings, with 819,875 euros putting him in 27th.

Lee Slattery’s hopes of retaining his European Tour card remain on a knife-edge after rounds of 79,76 saw him miss the cut for the second time in three events. He now occupies the final qualifying position in the rankings at 115th with 200,970 euros.

On the Challenge Tour Bromborough’s Paul Waring endured a week of contrasting fortunes at the Kazakhstan Open.

An opening 79 was followed by 65 69 before a closing 77 dented hopes of a high finish. Waring had to settle for a share of 41st place.