Fairytale ending for Garcia

The 28-year-old, hosting the inaugural event at the Club de Campo del Mediterraneo where his father is still the host professional, closed with a four-under-par 67 to finish three shots ahead of Sweden's Peter Hedblom, who signed for a 66.

Having taken a four-shot lead into the final round after scores of 66, 65 and 66, Garcia held off the strong charge of Hedblom, the only player who threatened to spoil the fairytale story when he opened his round with four successive birdies.

But Hedblom never got ahead of Garcia, who used his knowledge of every nook and cranny of the course to complete a memorable victory and move to third in the world rankings.

The other players who were tied for second in Garcia's shadow overnight, including Englishmen David Lynn and Simon Dyson, failed to close the gap and ultimately tied for fourth after rounds of 69.

There was drama as two players battled for 118th place on the Order of Merit which meant retaining their card for next season.

With 118th-placed Patrick Sjoland failing to make the cut, Garry Houston needed just under 11,000 euros to keep his card but finishing two under overall left him short.

Francois Delamontagne was eventually the lucky man, scraping in by about 300 euros despite carding a three-over 74.