Sun Jun 29 19:10:24 2008

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Hicks wins playoff for Wayne Gretzky title

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Clarksburg, Ontario (Sports Network) - Justin Hicks used to be best known as the surprise first-round co-leader of this year's U.S. Open.

On Sunday, he became known as a Nationwide Tour winner.

Hicks parred the first playoff hole to defeat third-round leader Casey Wittenberg and win the Wayne Gretzky Classic at The Georgian Bay Club.

The win was Hicks' first on the Nationwide Tour.

Wittenberg had a two-shot lead with two to play, but a bogey at the par-three 17th, coupled with a Hicks birdie tied the two with one to play. Both players parred 18 to set up the playoff.

The pair returned to the par-five 18th where Wittenberg struggled. Hicks only needed a par for the win.

Hicks finished with a two-under 69 and Wittenberg managed a one-under 70. The duo ended regulation at 16-under 269 as Wittenberg was also seeking his first Nationwide Tour victory.

Garret Osborn fired a nine-under 62 very early Sunday and tied for third place with Peter Tomasulo, who had a 63. They came in at 15-under 270.

Greg Owen (64), Hunter Haas (66), Aron Price (67), Gibby Gilbert III (69) and Matt Every (70) shared fifth place at minus-14.

Bret Guetz (65), D.A. Points (69), Kyle Reifers (71) and Sebastian Fernandez (72) tied for 10th at 13-under 272.