DAMIEN MCGRANE admitted to mixed feelings last night after he realised his ambition of qualifying for this week's Volvo Masters at Valderrama.

As Jose Maria Olazabal sprinted away with four birdies on the front nine on the way to a 66 and a five-stroke victory, McGrane was left to deal with the elation of his achievement against the fatigue he now feels. He was not certain before he left the Pula Club if he had made it or not but he eventually qualified in 60th and last place for the prestigious season-ending event beginning on Thursday.

He closed with a 73 for a four-over-par 284 title and a share of 48th place which moved him above Brian Davis and Brett Rumford into the position of safety.

"It's been a long season. One of my goals has been to get into the Volvo Masters and now that it's on my doorstep, I feel I'm quite tired. If it was in two weeks time it would suit me better," he said.

"Obviously I would be disappointed not to make it because I wanted to get to the Volvo Masters but my state of mind is I'm quite tired. I don't know if I could do myself justice. But it's another week's work and another paycheck." he said.

Gary Murphy struggled to a 76 but his chances of joining McGrane in Valderrama had vanished in Saturday's 78.

Olazabal's victory ended a drought that lasted more than three and a half years and also boosted his chances of a seventh Ryder Cup cap.

Second were defending champion Sergio Garcia, fellow Spaniard Jose Manuel Lara and England's Paul Broadhurst.

Brian Creighton
Majorca Open