Oosthuizen denies Wood maiden victory

Chris Wood narrowly missed out on a maiden professional victory after Open champion Louis Oosthuizen won a three-man play-off to clinch the Africa Open title in East London yesterday. 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 manage only pars after the trio had finished regulation play tied on 18 under par.

Wood shot to fame in 2008 when he was top amateur at the Open at Royal Birkdale, where he finished fifth. He led for a large part of yesterday but Quiros closed with three consecutive birdies to join him on a 16-under 276 after a round of 69. The 23-year-old from Bristol had just about finished his round in 68 when Oosthuizen made eagle on the par-five 15th. The South African, who carded 70, failed to gain 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.

Oosthuizen was making his debut in the co-sanctioned European and Sunshine Tour event.