The many spectators present at the Golf National despite the rain this Sunday witnessed an incredible outcome. Starting eight strokes behind and four groups ahead of Stadler, McDowell tied the biggest comeback by a winner on the final round in Alstom Open de France history. Author of an exceptional card of 67 (-4) in difficult conditions, the Northern Irishman came out as leader at the clubhouse at -5, despite a bogey at 18. At that time, the Northern Irishman counted one step ahead of its pursuers. But a birdie from Stadler on the 16th and one from Jaidee on the 17th rekindled the suspense: the American then returned to equality with McDowell, while the Thai ambushed himself, just one stroke from the leading duo.

While "G-Mac" stood by for an obvious play-off, Jaidee missed his birdie attempt, while Stadler missed a 60-centimeter putt to go on a sudden death. “Of course that's not how I thought I would win, I had prepared for the play-off and I didn't imagine Kevin was going to miss his putt. We don't wish anyone to miss a putt, ” declared McDowell, elegant in victory. "But this victory is really special for me, it comes at a perfect time and ideally launches my summer. " The Northern Irishman, the first player to retain his title at the Alstom Open de France since Jean-François Remésy in 2004, climbs back to 12th place in the Race to Dubai and is getting closer to qualifying places for the next Ryder Cup, which will have held at the end of September in Scotland.

Stadler, who could become the first American winner in France since Barry Jaeckel in 1972, has to settle for 2nd place, which he shares with Thongchai Jaidee at -4 overall. “It was difficult today and I drove the ball very badly. That's how it is… I played really well for two days, I had a lot of opportunities, but today I spent my day visiting the rough, and my score suffers, ” declared the American after his 76 (+4). Behind Stadler and Jaidee (72), the Swede Robert Karlsson (69) takes 4th place alone and wins his ticket for the British Open. The first three players to finish in the top 10 were indeed invited to the 3rd Major of the season, which will be played at the Royal Liverpool Golf Club in Hoylake from July 17 to 20. After Welshman Jamie Donaldson and Englishman Matthew Baldwin, who shared 5th place at -2 and had already qualified for the British Open, the second ticket goes to Northern Irishman Michael Hoey, 7th at -1.

The third sesame, finally, did not escape Victor Riu. Despite a complicated end of the game on a double bogey at 18, the Frenchman returned a 76 card which allows him to snatch 8th place and his invitation for Hoylake. "I am obviously very satisfied," declared the Parisian. “Of course, I didn't win the tournament, but I finished in 8th place and I never imagined that at the start of the week. After a poor first part of the season, what is happening to me here is nothing but happiness. In addition, I get my qualification for the British Open. This will be my first participation in a Grand Slam tournament, every golfer's dream. " With 75 euros in his pocket, Victor Riu is also making a big step forward in retaining his playing rights on the European Tour next season.