Intro:

Northern Ireland's Graeme McDowell came from eight shots back to retain his French Open title at Le Golf National in Paris on Sunday, edging out Kevin Stadler of the United States and Thailand's Thongchai Jaidee by a single stroke; the first time McDowell has successfully defended a tournament in his career.

Script:

American Kevin Stadler saw his four-shot overnight lead disappear after a dramatic collapse in the final day of the French Open on Sunday.

Northern Ireland's Graeme McDowell shrugged off the miserable conditions to birdie at the 14th.

Thailand's Thongchai Jaidee recovered from a nightmare start to claw his way back into contention but he had to be content with a four round total of 280, four under par, one shot off first place.

34-year-old Stadler had a similar putt at the 18th to win it outright and then faced a three-footer to take McDowell to a playoff.

But he missed, handing the Paris title to McDowel.

It was McDowell's tenth title on the European Tour as he successfully defended a tournament for the first time in his career.

Not bad preparation at all for the upcoming Open Championship at Hoylake and the Ryder Cup in September at Gleneagles.