The Peter Baker and Adilson da Silva rivalry added another thrilling chapter at the European Legends Cup in Spain. The top two players from last year’s order of merit battled it out in a sudden death play-off, with the Brazilian emerging victorious this time.
Both players birdied the par-5 18th hole in regulation and returned to the same hole for the play-off. Da Silva reached the green in two shots, while Baker faced a long putt for eagle. Surprisingly, they both ended up with a three-foot putt for birdie.
Da Silva made his putt first, and then Baker narrowly missed his, giving Da Silva his seventh Legends Tour title. This win propelled him to the top of the MCB Road to Mauritius rankings for this year after finishing second in the Order of Merit in both 2022 and 2023.
Baker, the winner of last year’s order of merit, made a late surge with a final round of 65, the best of the week. He birdied five of his first seven holes to climb up the leaderboard, finishing with a total score of -9. Despite a bogey at 11, he managed to pick up further shots on 15 and 18 to set the clubhouse target.
In the final group, Da Silva played alongside Paul Lawrie and Phillip Archer. After a strong start with birdies on the first three holes, Da Silva needed a birdie on the 18th to force a play-off, which he secured with a brilliant second shot from 230 yards, ultimately clinching his second win of the season.
Reflecting on his victory, Da Silva said, “I peaked at the leaderboard walking to the 17th and 18th. I had a birdie chance on 17 and I didn’t get it, so I knew I needed to make something happen on 18, and I got the birdie to get into the play-off.”
He continued, “This year it is absolutely my goal to do my best to finish on top of the order of merit at the end of the season. I’m just going to keep working hard. The competition is so tough out there – the guys are playing such good golf. I just have to keep it going.”
Phil Archer, who led for most of the day, faltered towards the end with a bogey on 15 and a double-bogey on 17, taking him out of contention. He finished tied third at -7 with Keith Horne and Andrew Raitt.
For all the scores for the European Legends Cup, click here.
