Russell wins French Riviera Masters in playoff

Tourrettes, France – David J. Russell parred the third playoff hole Sunday to defeat Tim Thelen and capture the French Riviera Masters.

Both players parred the 18th at Terre Blanche Resort and Golf Club twice before Thelen made bogey the third time. Russell made a par and picked up his second European Senior Tour title.

"I'm absolutely over the moon," said Russell. "It's a shame that other people's mistakes let you in, but I thought the golf was exceptional this afternoon and the scoring was excellent. It was unlucky for Tim there, but I'm absolutely delighted."

Russell fired a 7-under 65 in the final round to get in at 8-under 208. Thelen carded a 6-under 66 of his own to match Russell in the lead.

Roger Chapman, the second-round leader, was ahead, but bogeyed the 16th and 18th holes to miss out on a playoff by a single stroke. He shot a 1-under 71 and tied for third with Paul Wesselingh, who posted a 3-under 69 on Sunday.

Chapman may not have walked off with the trophy, but sealed up the Order of Merit title on the European Senior Tour. It's another honor in a year when he won the Senior PGA Championship and U.S. Senior Open on the Champions Tour.

"I came here at the start of the week to consolidate No. 1 spot in the Order of Merit and I've done that," said Chapman. "I just wanted to beat Barry Lane (second in the Order of Merit) and I've done that, so every cloud has a silver lining."

Ian Woosnam (69), Des Smyth (69) and Peter Fowler (71) shared fifth at 5-under par.