THE NORRMAN CONQUEST

Victory for Vincent as Rory implodes coming down the stretch at the K Club

- PHIL CASEY

SWEDEN'S Vincent Norrman surged through the field to win the Horizon Irish Open as Rory Mcllroy's bid for a second victory in the event came to a shambolic end.

Norrman carded a flawless closing 65 at The K Club to finish 14 under par and a shot ahead of 54-hole leader Hurly Long, with former champion Shane Lowry part of a four-way tie for third on 12 under.

McIlroy began the final round two behind Long and birdied the first and fourth either side of a 90-minute weather delay to share the lead, but found water on the seventh, 11th and twice on the 16th as he stumbled to a 74.

Norrman started the day six behind Long but made six birdies in the space of eight holes from the seventh and then two-putted the par-five 18th for another to set the target on 14 under.