Els discovers form as he heads for Masters

The 40-year-old South African survived a tense finish to beat Italian Edoardo Molinari and American Kevin Na by two after the storm-hit Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill spilled into a fifth day.

Els, among 21 players unable to complete his final round on Sunday, resumed two ahead with four to play, but that became one when Na birdied the 16th. In the trees off the tee at the same hole, Els had to settle for par there, but as he saved another par from a greenside bunker on the short 17th Na found trouble down the last.

He and former US Amateur champion Molinari both closed with three under 69s.

Els knew a bogey would be good enough at the final hole, but parred it for a 71, an 11 under aggregate and his 64th professional victory.

He lifted the WGC-CA Championship in Miami by a much more comfortable four-shot margin two weeks ago and this was a far nervier affair.

Yorkshire began their preparations for the forthcoming Northern Counties campaign with a 10-8 win over Derbyshire at Howley Hall.

Yorkshire won the morning foursomes 4-2 and held onto their slender advantage by sharing the 12 singles matches.

James Maw (Hallowes), Adam Best (Cleveland), Daniel Wasteney (Bondhay), Peter Fenton (Cleckheaton) and Paul Young (Hessle) all won two points each.

Yorkshire play Lincolnshire on Saturday at Seacroft with the season beginning against Lancashire at Huddersfield on May 8.