AMERICAN David Duval kept ahead of the field to get his hands on the famous claret jug in this year's Open at Lytham.

He secured his first Major title with a 10 under par score, three shots ahead of his nearest rival.

Early pacesetter Colin Montgomerie finished well down the field, with Tiger Woods further behind.

Duval's calmness and control of a golf ball in tricky conditions, ensured the title stayed with an American but the clutch of Europeans behind him points to an exciting Ryder Cup later this year.