PAUL Curry won the PGA Europro event at Stoke-by-Nayland for the second year in succession although he needed a play-off with Mark Ramsdale of Formby before claiming the £10,000 prize.

PAUL Curry won the PGA Europro event at Stoke-by-Nayland for the second year in succession although he needed a play-off with Mark Ramsdale of Formby before claiming the £10,000 prize.

This victory in the Bartercard Stoke by Nayland International Open should give Curry added confidence before his regional Open qualifier at Orsett on Wednesday.

Curry started the final day four shots off the pace but a final round of three-under-par 69 saw him six-under for the tournament and making light of the lengthened Gainsborough course.

Curry piled on the pressure with four successive birdies between the 14th and 17th holes to end level with Ramsdale, who dropped a shot on the last. Sean Doherty of Bury also looked a likely winner until a double bogey at the 17th.

The play-off was settled at the first extra hole, the final par three over the lake in front of the clubhouse. Curry's tee shot left a 25-foot putt which he left close enough to the hole for an easy par.

Ramsdale's tee shot was short. He chipped to within 12 feet but could not sink the putt so had to settle for the £5000 second prize.

Overnight leader Guy Woodman, from Stoke Park, took an eight at the second hole. His game deteriorated and he ended with a round of 81.

Justin Brown, the 21-year-old from Gosfield Lake, will look back on a quadruple bogey on the eighth hole after going out of bounds. The rest of his game was solid and a cheque for £600 will be some consolation and will surely encourage the members of the Red Monster Sports Management team.

Excellent weather and a course in tremendous condition made it a successful event. Now Stoke-by-Nayland are looking forward to hosting the European Seniors Tour between August 25 and 28 when the likes of Sam Torrance and Eamonn Darcy will be among the stars.