REWIND: Wet Finnish finish as Howard crowned champion

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<p>Paul Howard won his first European Challenge Tour title after the fourth round of the Vierumäki Finnish Challenge was cancelled following heavy rain in Finland.</p>
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<p>The Englishman went into the final day with a two-shot lead after rounds of 68-65-66, but after torrential rain flooded the course at Vierumäki Resort, the decision was taken to reduce the tournament to 54 holes.</p>
<p>The 26 year old, who was only able to complete seven holes today, was emotional after Tournament Director Gary Butler broke the news that he was the champion.</p>
<p>“I am speechless,” he said. “I was very nervous starting my round this morning and although I played well those nerves didn’t really lift and I had just three-putted six and seven in the rain before play was called off – so it’s fair to say that I’m ecstatic that it has been cancelled.</p>
<p>“I didn’t get over the nerves but felt that I was managing the situation. It was torrential out there and I am not surprised that it got cancelled.</p>
<p>“I went to work in a call centre as I didn’t have any money after last season so this is massive – hopefully I won’t have to go back there anytime soon.</p>
<p>“Last year I just missed out on having a full card whereas now I am going to get into every event, and I will afford to be able to go to all the events – so this is massive for me.</p>
<p>“I can’t put it into words other than to say I’m absolutely chuffed. I have a lot of really good friends out here and it was great that they were all with me when I heard the news that I had won – that feeling was probably better than holing out on the last.</p>
<p>“My parents are going to be made up, everyone back at my home course and everyone I know is going to be ecstatic.</p>
<p>“The goal this year was to win, as it was last year, and every other year before that. Although I won in a strange way, it is nice to know that I can put myself at the top of the leaderboard after three rounds.</p>
<p>“Everyone tells me that I am good enough to do it, and I can take a lot of confidence from this week. Hopefully I can go on and push for that top 15 spot now.”</p>
<p>With victory in Finland Howard moves up 77 spots on the Road to Oman to 20th place. Sweden’s Simon Forsström, who finished two behind Howard in second place, also made a big move up in the Rankings, rising up 55 places to sit in 33rd position. </p>
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