Ancer becomes 1st Mexican golfer to win Australian Open

Sydney, Nov 18: Abraham Ancer on Sunday became the first Mexican golfer to win the Australian Open tournament here, guaranteeing him a spot in next summer's British Open.

Ancer, 27, kept his cool and maintained a strong lead throughout the day, finishing 16-under with 272 strokes, five ahead of second-placed Dimitrios Papadatos of Australia, reports Efe.

"I'm on cloud nine right now. It's been a phenomenal week," Ancer said after Sunday's win, according to the tournament's website.

"My first time in Australia, everybody told me how great it was, and I feel like I love this country already in four or five days that I've been here," he added.

Papadatos had an opportunity to rally back when Ancer bogeyed on the 12th hole, the same green where the Australian golfer secured his fifth birdie of the day.

But a double bogey on the 14th hole ended Papadatos' hopes of a comeback, and he wrapped up the round at 67 strokes, two behind Ancer, who earned his second professional title following his 2015 victory at the Nova Scotia Open.