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50-year-old Ed Fiori, produced the second best come from behind victory on the US Champions Tour to edge out Australian veteran Graham Marsh at the third extra hole of the MasterCard Classic in Mexico City. Starting the last round seven shots back of the 60-year-old Marsh, Fiori was quickly into stride with five birdies in his first six holes today and when Marsh bogeyed two of his first four holes, the difference was just one as the Australian walked to the fifth tee. Hugh Baiocchi the South African was also tied in the lead with Marsh at that stage. Marsh had not won on the Champions Tour in nearly five years although his form over the last seven or eight months has shown considerable improvement. Arguably Marsh is playing as well now as he has for the last five years and, at the age of 60, he was looking to become the oldest winner on the Champions Tour since 2000.European Tour Fiori was a four time winner on the USPGA Tour, his first win coming back in 1979 and he has status on the Champions Tour via those wins. There is a category on the Champions Tour that allows PGA Tour winners access in their 50th and 51st year. This win however gives him the cushion he needs to go on and secure his future on the tour. In his first season last year, Fiori had managed only two top tens in 17 starts but he had not played a lot of competitive golf leading into his debut season in 2003, so this win shows that he is finding his competitive legs once again. Marsh has won six times on the Champions Tour including his wins at the US Seniors Open in 1997 and the Tradition in 1999, both majors at that time.Callaway Golf Marsh led into the final round after a brilliant second round 66 and got just the start he was looking for with a birdie at the first hole. Then followed the bogeys at 2, 4 and 9 to have him sharing the lead with Fiori. He again drew clear with three consecutive birdies from the 10th but then disaster struck as he bogeyed 13, 16 and 17 to be again tied in the lead playing the last. His attempt for birdie at the par five last, shaved the hole and so they would head for the playoff where Fiori was victorious after three holes. Fiori earned $US300,000 for the win while Marsh collected his biggest cheque since 1999 earning $US176,000. Baiocchi took the lead halfway through the front nine when Marsh was struggling but he would fall away with three bogeys over the closing holes to finish just one behind.Great Golf Clubs Hale Irwin too had his chances when he got to six under with four to play but two consecutive double bogeys cost any chance of a top finish. Other Australians were Stewart Ginn 26th and Terry Gale 61st.
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