Unknown Quiros outshines Garcia

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  • October 9, 2009

World number eight Sergio Garcia had the spotlight taken off him by world number 1,076 Manuel Quiros in Madrid on Thursday.

World number eight Sergio Garcia had the spotlight taken off by him by world number 1,076 Manuel Quiros when the Madrid Masters began on Thursday.
A closing 15-foot eagle putt had given Garcia – playing in Europe for the first time since The Open in July – an eight under par 64 and the clubhouse lead at Centro Nacional.
But playing in the last group of the day little known Manual Quiros, no relation of Alvaro and not even a full European Tour member, blasted an incredible 10-birdie 62 that left Garcia open mouthed.
The 30-year-old from Marbella, who only earned a place in the event via the Spanish Order of Merit, has made six trips to the Tour qualifying school and only made it through once.
That was three years ago and even in the “second division” Challenge circuit this year he has yet to record a top-40 finish.
In the circumstances, Garcia remains firm favourite for the title – especially with playing partner and former Ryder Cup team-mate, Luke Donald managing only a one under 71.
Third place is held by England’s 21-year-old Oliver Fisher, at last finding form again after missing his last seven halfway cuts and 15 of the last 19.
Fisher, who came up through the amateur ranks with Rory McIlroy and was the youngest-ever player to appear in the Walker Cup, is down in 152nd place on the Tour money list and needs to climb into the top 115 to keep his card next year.

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