Watson wins third Senior British Open after late scare

LONDON, July 29 (Reuters) American Tom Watson survived a double bogey on the final hole to win the Senior British Open by a single stroke today at Muirfield.

Watson, taking the title for the third time after wins in 2005 and 2003, carded a 73 to finish with a level par 284, edging overnight leader Stewart Ginn of Australia and fellow-American Mark O'Meara, who ended the day on one over.

They were followed three strokes further back by a quartet featuring Jay Haas, Lonnie Nielsen and Loren Roberts of the United States, along with Argentine Eduardo Romero.

Watson triumphed on the course where the 57-year-old won one of his five Open titles, back in 1980, when he saw off the challenge of fellow American Lee Trevino.

He had been lying second overnight, a shot behind Ginn, and birdied the third and fifth holes before bouncing back from a double bogey at the 475-yard 10th with a third birdie of the day at the very next hole.

He could afford another bogey at the 14th and six strokes at the par four 18th before securing the fourth Senior Majors victory of his career, having taken the US PGA Seniors Championship in 2001.

Reuters BJR VP0300