Sport 29-10-2001 Goosen Tops European Order of Merit who: Golfer Retief Goosen what: Wins Madrid Open and beats Darren Clarke to top of money list where: Madrid, Spain when: Yesterday snippet: "Retief Goosen took the European Order of Merit title here yesterday," says The Independent`s Mark Garrod in Madrid, "and then 35 minutes later added the Madrid Open." "With the money-list crown in the bag after Darren Clarke could manage only sixth, the South African was able to focus on his third win of the season," says The Sun. "But he had to go to the third hole of a sudden-death play-off with Brit Steve Webster to nail it." "As well as his three victories Goosen has had eight other top-10 finishes in Europe," says The Guardian. "He now has £1,751,720 to his name, about £600,000 clear of Clarke in second place and £700,000 ahead of his compatriot Ernie Els." "Clarke sometimes does himself no favours by his response to defeat," says Mel Webb in The Times, "but this time he was graciousness itself when paying tribute to a friend and rival." "He`s played very nicely all year," said Clarke. "He`s won one of the most difficult majors, he won at Loch Lomond and he`s consistently put the performances in, week in and week out." "This is my 10th season and to be the best in Europe is unbelievable," said Goosen, "because there are some great players out there. Obviously winning the order of merit was helped greatly by the US Open title but it`s been a dream year. It`s nice to round it all off this way." [... more]

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