Norman Holds Off Challengers, Wins At York

LONDON -- Greg Norman won his third British golf tournament of the season when he captured the Benson and Hedges York International title yesterday.

He retained his one-stroke overnight lead to clinch the A$29,000 first prize with a final round of 71 for a 5-under-par 283 total.

Norman, the top money winner on the European circuit, was chased home by a trio who finished one stroke adrift -- Bob Charles of New Zealand, Graham Marsh of Australia and Ian Woosnam of Wales.

The 26-year-old Australian was cruising nicely when he went out in 33 to stretch three ahead of the field. But the 13th hole nearly caused his downfall as he carved his drive into a bush.

He dropped two shots on that hole and one more at the next and the pack were back with him. "I gave myself a little talking to after the 14th. It wasn't until the 15th that I settled down and then I was confident I would win," Norman said.

But Woosnam came within an inch of forcing a playoff, coming tantalizingly close with a four-meter putt on the final hole.

Norman and Bob Charles of New Zealand have been named in the Rest of the World team to contest the three-cornered Hennessy Cognac Cup next month.