Mellor has final word in exciting finale

Stakes were high in one of the most dramatic climaxes to a PGA in England and Wales (North) season in years.

Five players tied on 11-under-par in the final round of the James Brearley Lancashire Open at Blackpool North Shore.

But what gave the ensuing play-off additional impetus was that two of them, David Shacklady and Alex Belt, were also battling to clinch the Michael Slater Memorial Order of Merit title.

Former European Tour player John Mellor, from Sheffield club The Oaks, eagled the 533-yard 10th, the first sudden death hole, to win the tournament and leap six places up the rankings to finish third.

That left title-holder, Mossock Hall's Shacklady, who equalled the course record 62 in the first round, second to Europro Tour player Alex Belt, from Snainton Golf Centre.