Sterne captures Joburg play-off

I came back strong and that's what it's about Richard Sterne

FINAL LEADERBOARD:
(SA unless stated)
-13 R Sterne (won at 2nd extra hole), M Carlsson (Swe), G Mulroy
-11 D Clarke (NIr)
-9 L Moolman, C Williams, M Murless
-8 T Ferreira

Richard Sterne claimed victory at the second extra hole of a three-way play-off to capture the Joburg Open.

Sterne fired seven birdies in a final round 65 to finish on 18-under with Magnus Carlsson and Garth Mulroy.

Northern Ireland's Darren Clarke, who began the final round three shots back tied for fifth, had five birdies in a 68 to finish fourth three shots adrift.

Overnight leader Mark Murless, who held a two-shot advantage, ran up five bogeys and was tied for fifth place.

Mulroy was in sole possession of the lead with two holes to play after a birdie on the par-three 16th, but could only par the last two holes.

Carlsson and Sterne, however, birdied both the 17th and 18th holes to secure their places in the sudden-death play-off.

All three players in the play-off birdied the par-five 18th first time around, Sterne securing his four after a marvellous shot into the green with a four-iron from the fairway bunker.

Clarke produced another good week in his third event of the season

Sterne found the putting surface in two once more when it was played again, and safely two-putted for victory, his opponents unable to match him having found the fairway trap.

It capped a remarkable day for the 26-year-old, who bogeyed the first hole but played the last nine of regulation play in a mere 31 strokes having begun the day four shots behind the leader in a share of 11th.

Sterne, the highest-ranked player in the event, was three-over after three holes of the opening round.

"Any time you're favourite to win or anything like that, I think it's a little bit more pressure.

"I didn't get off to a good start at all. I think I was three over at some stage, but I came back strong and that's what it's about."