October 17, 2007	Wednesday	Shawwal 4, 1428

LAS VEGAS, Oct 16: American rookie George McNeill held off an early challenge from playing partner D.J. Trahan to clinch his maiden PGA Tour title by four shots at the Las Vegas Open on Sunday.

The 32-year-old from Florida, ice-cool on a sun-baked day at the TPC Summerlin, fired a five-under-par 67 to become the Tour’s 11th first-time winner this season.

Five ahead of compatriot Trahan overnight, McNeill birdied four of the last eight holes for the second day in a row, posting a tournament record 23-under total of 264 despite a three-putt bogey at the last.

He also became the second rookie to triumph on the 2007 PGA Tour, following American Brandt Snedeker at the Wyndham Championship in August.

Trahan reeled off birdies on the first four holes on his way to a joint best-of-the-day 66 and second spot at 19 under, finishing four ahead of Americans Cameron Beckham (68) and Robert Garrigus (70).

Among the big names, 2003 Masters champion Mike Weir carded a 70 to move into a tie for 10th place at 12 under, six strokes better than big-hitting John Daly, who birdied four of the last six holes for a 67.

Leading final-round scores:

264 – George McNeill (US) 66, 64, 67, 67.

268 – D.J. Trahan (US) 65, 65, 72, 66.

272 – Cameron Beckman (US) 65, 71, 68, 68; Robert Garrigus (US) 71, 63, 68, 70.

273 – Bob May (US) 63, 70, 71, 69; Bo Van Pelt (US) 66, 69, 68, 70.

274 – Jason Gore (US) 63, 68, 73, 70; Mathias Groenberg (Sweden) 69, 64, 71, 70; Garrett Willis (US) 68, 62, 73, 71.

275 – Joe Ogilvie (US) 71, 65, 71, 68; Mike Weir (Canada) 69, 67, 69, 70; Mark Wilson (US) 66, 67, 71, 71; Kent Jones (US) 68, 67, 68, 72.—Reuters