Open winner extends Wood's wait

Oosthuizen holed from 15 feet for birdie on the first extra hole, the par-four 18th, to clinch a third European Tour win.

Wood and Spain's Manuel Quiros could only manage pars after the trio had finished regulation play tied on 18 under par.

Wood shot to fame in 2008 when he was the top amateur at the Open held at Royal Birkdale where he finished fifth, while Oosthuizen shocked the golfing world by winning the Claret Jug at St Andrews last July.

He led for a large part yesterday and had to watch agonisingly as Quiros closed with three consecutive birdies to join him on 16-under 276 after a round of 69.

The 23-year-old from Bristol had also just about completed his round in 68 when Oosthuizen made eagle on the par-five 15th.

The South African, who carded 70, failed to pick up any more shots over his last three holes, despite going close with a straightforward chip at the last that ended up two feet to the left.

In the play-off on the par-four 18th, world No 21 Oosthuizen had the worst drive of the trio, but his second shot landed in the best position – Wood was more than 20 feet from the hole, while Quiros was just off the green.

Both missed their attempts which meant less pressure for the golfer from Mossel Bay and he made full use to win in what was his debut in the co-sanctioned European and Sunshine Tour event.

"The whole day was a bit of a struggle," Oosthuizen said. "I didn't get anything in the hole and made that putt on 15 which helped.

"Then I made this one (in the play-off) which was nice. I hit a terrible tee shot and then hit a full go sand-wedge to get close. Then I made the putt, it was great."

Reflecting on his start to the year, Oosthuizen conceded he would need to improve on his putting going forward.

He said: "It's been one of those weeks where the putter was very cold, but my caddie kept me calm and said it would go in eventually.

"So I kept on trying and made that nice one on the last which I will remember."

As for his debut in the tournament where he picked up the 158,500 euro (132,989) top prize, he added: "It's always nice playing in South Africa and you want to perform.

"This week there was a great field here and playing with Retief (Goosen) and (Darren) Clarke was really special. If you look at the leaderboard there were just big names up there so I think it was a great tournament."

Northern Irishman Clarke ended with a 68 for a tournament total of eight-under 284 and a share of 26th place.

Europe staged an amazing comeback to win the Royal Trophy for the fourth time in five editions of the team competition.

Colin Montgomerie's side trailed Asia 6-2 going into the final day's eight singles matches, but won six and halved the other two to complete a remarkable 9-7 triumph.

Sweden's Peter Hanson led the way with a 7&6 thrashing of Liang Wen-chong in the opening match, while there were also wins for Fredrik Andersson Hed, Rhys Davies, Matteo Manassero and Pablo Martin.

Ryder Cup-winning captain Montgomerie proved he could still play as well as captain, beating Kim Kyung-tae 3&1.

Henrik Stenson halved the second match with Noh Seung-yul and fellow Swede Johan Edfors also halved the final match with local favourite Thongchai Jaidee.