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April 13, 2011
Cabrera fought until the end but Augusta triumph was for Charl Schwartzel
Cordoba’s golf player was the Major protagonist but South African Charl Schwartzel got the Green Jacket. “Pato” almost got another victory.
By La Voz del Interior An exceptional game in the last four holes gave South African Charl Schwartzel the extra points he needed to win Augusta Masters, the first of four Masters of this season, which took place in traditional Augusta National course.
Schwartzel, aged 26, celebrated his first Masters with 274 shots (14 under par), with rounds of 69, 71, 68 and 66 (the best of the day).
However, he confirmed his victory after an exciting day, the same day when Cabrera played his best and was protagonist at the end of the day. “Pato had great chances to be the leader, but some mistakes placed him 7th, with 279 shots (-9).
The change of tournament leaders added suspense to the result. Irish Rory McIlroy started the day with a four-shot lead over a group of four players: Ángel “Pato” Cabrera, Korean K. J. Choi, Schwartzel and Australian Jason Day.
However, young Mcllroy was not able to keep his game level. He was very nervous (he finished 15th with an 80-shot round) and gave ground until he lost the tournament.
It was the moment when Tiger Woods, Cabrera, Choi and Adam Scott appeared to fight for the first place. Tiger’s bogeys in holes 12 and 13 left him behind and Australian Adam Scott birdies in holes 14 and 16 helped him get closer to victory. However, Schwartzel´s amazing four birdies in the last four holes took him to the second place.
“Pato” had great chances to win during the last holes (same as in 2009, when he won after a breakthrough with two players), but a bogey in hole 16 (par 3) dashed his victory hopes.
Cabrera, who got there with -10, hit long off the tee and had a long approach too, so much so that he had to use two putters to finish the hole. Visibly demotivated, he played to finish even par in the last holes. During the four rounds, "Pato" finished one shot over par in seven par 3.
Córdoba player finished with 71, 70, 67 and 71 score cards. He had a great performance and showed once again that he plays his best in big tournaments.
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