Roberts wins Senior British Open

LONDON, July 31 (Reuters) American Loren Roberts beat Argentina's Eduardo Romero in a playoff to win the Senior British Open at Turnberry.

The 51-year-old Roberts holed a 15 footer for par on the first extra hole while Romero three-putted from 40 feet for bogey after the pair had finished level on six-under-par yesterday.

Roberts had seen his four-shot overnight lead disappear as he finished on a total of 274 after a five-over 75, including two double bogeys on the back nine, while Romero shot a 71.

''This is the ultimate achievement for me,'' said Roberts on collecting the claret jug and 157,800 pounds (293,500 dollars).

''Obviously, I was able to play the Ryder Cup and some President's Cups and to win on Tour but I had a chance at the 1994 US Open and didn't get it done,'' he added.

''After I got in my mid 40s, it was left to the Seniors Tour to win a major. And of all the majors, I am happy to get this one. This gives me great fulfilment.'' American Dick Mast was third just one shot behind after a three-under final round of 67 while compatriot and former Masters champion Craig Stadler (70) was fourth at two under.

ABSORBING GOLF Roberts, nicknamed 'Boss of the Moss' for his ability on the greens, won after an absorbing final day over the Ailsa Course in which Romero came from five behind after the first to tie.

The Argentine's fight back came with four birdies in six holes from the fifth but three bogeys in a row from the 12th and another at the 15th scuppered his chances of taking victory.

The players returned to the 18th tee for the sudden-death playoff and Romero's drive found the fairway before Roberts pushed his into the right rough.

The American, winner of the first three events on this season's US Champions Tour, went for broke with a five wood but could only move the ball to 77 yards short of the hole.

Romero sent a four iron to the back of the green and looked in charge but Roberts, a master in and around the greens, got up and down for a four while the Argentine three-putted for a five.

''I have leaned on my putter for 25 years and I figured as long as I could get a look at a par putt, I would have a chance. And that's the way it worked out,'' said Roberts.

Romero was left ruing his luck and earlier club selection.

''The first putt was unlucky because there's a big mountain to the left of the green,'' he said. ''I think the mistake was a wrong club. I hit a four iron and should have hit five iron.

''It was probably one less club. I knew it was a difficult putt from the back but that's golf. I'm still happy.'' Reuters PM VP1020