Sterne wins South African Open in playoff

Dec 21, 2008 - 4:30 PM By Thahir Asmal PA SportsTicker Contributing Writer

WESTERN CAPE, South Africa (Ticker) -- Richard Sterne defeated Gareth Maybin on the first playoff hole to win the South African Open on Sunday.

Sterne, who also won the Alfred Dunhill Championship seven days ago, shot a final-round 6-under-par 66 in becoming the eighth straight home winner of this event. Sterne moved into contention after third-round leader Lee Westwood struggled to a 73.

"The SA Open is so prestigious and the names on the trophy are just unbelievable," Sterne said.

Maybin had a chance to win on the final hole of regulation but the native of Northern Ireland saw his birdie putt from eight feet lip out, and when the players returned to the 18th in sudden death Sterne produced a birdie to claim victory.

"I just couldn't keep it straight to be honest. I had a reasonable putt, but just lagged it a little bit," Maybin said. "Obviously I just came up a little short, but all in all I'm very happy with myself and the way I held up."

Sterne and Maybin both finished at 14-under 274.

Westwood shared third with Rory McIlroy and four-time winner Ernie Els, who had set the clubhouse target after a scintillating final-round 64.