GRAEME STORM suffered frustration on the final day at the Omega European Masters when his bid for a top five place disappeared.

The Hartlepool European Tour pro slipped down 25 places on the final day in Switzerland when he posted a three-over 73 after three fine days had put him in a strong position.

Storm opened his fourth round sitting 11th and he bogeyed the first and the eight to hit the turn on two over.

Things got worse before they got better because he double bogeyed the 12th before back-to-back birdies at 14 and 15. He finished with a further bogey at 17.

It still secured a top 40 finish for Storm, who is looking for higher placings to climb up the rankings in the Race to Dubai as he looks to keep his card again. The 18,000 euros claimed in Switzerland has closed the gap on the coveted top 110.

That was due to his impressive performance over the first few days in Crans-sure-Sierre when he showed the sort of form he knows he is capable of.

In the end he was 14 shots shy of Alex Noren and Scott Hend, who needed a play-off to determine the winner, who both finished on 17 under.

Storm had opened up with a four under 66 on Thursday before following that up with a 69 and 68 before Sunday’s slip.

Sweden’s Noren left Aussie Hend frustrated on the first play-off hole when they headed back down the 18th. The pair were three ahead of Andrew Johnston, who was a further shot ahead of Lee Westwood.

The Scandinavian, who has won the title before, holed a 30ft putt for a birdie to clinch his sixth Tour crown.

Noren said: “It is unbelievable, and coming off a three week vacation, getting my game in shape, and it got in shape quickly. I didn’t really believe this would happen because there were some tough guys. I am really happy.

“I had to a hit a big hook on the 18th and got lucky pulling it off on the 18th. From 6, 7, 8 and 9 I played really well. I changed putters and it has been great. The greens here are so tricky. It is tough to be in front here.

“I feel like it is the best golf of my career. I have worked hard this season, I am trying to play more golf. I feel steadier. It has been a wonderful week.”

Harrogate’s John Parry finished tied 74th on six over after finishing with a 71. Stocksfield’s Chris Paisley, Barnard Castle’s Rob Dinwiddie and Malton & Norton’s Simon Dyson all missed the cut.