Australian Senden wins John Deere Classic, bound for Open

CHICAGO, July 17 (Reuters) Australian John Senden captured his first PGA Tour event title after 139 starts with a one-shot win in the John Deere Classic in Silvis, Illinois.

The victory qualifies Senden to play in the British Open at Hoylake starting on Thursday.

Leading by three shots overnight, he fired a final round three-under-par 68 for a 19-under-par 265, just holding off American JP Hayes who closed with a 65.

Germany's Alex Cejka (67) and American Heath Slocum (68) tied for third, three strokes behind the winner.

Hayes turned on the pressure down the back nine but a par by Senden on the 18th from a greenside bunker secured victory.

The Australian's previous best finish in five years on the PGA Tour was a tie for fifth at the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic in January. Hayes won this event four years ago with a tournament record 22-under-par total score.

Most of the attention during the week had been focused on Michelle Wie, who was trying to become the first woman in 61 years to make the cut on the PGA Tour. She was eight over after 27 holes and withdrew due to heat exhaustion on Friday.

REUTERS DKS BD0515