Pettersson claims victory in play-off

Sweden's Carl Pettersson clinched his first European Tour title in a sudden-death play-off in the Algarve Open de Portugal yesterday.

Pettersson hit a par on the first extra hole to win the first prize of £76,000 and prevent the former Ryder Cup player David Gilford from regaining the title he won in a play-off in 1993.

Both players found the 18th fairway in sudden-death, but after Pettersson had fired a six-iron onto the green, Gilford pulled his approach over the back of the green.

The 36-year-old was left with a difficult shot from a heavy lie and could only pitch out to 25 feet and failed to save par, Pettersson safely two-putting for par and the victory.

The pair had finished tied on two under par after two rounds were finally completed at Vale do Lobo at 2pm on Saturday.

The intention was then to reduce the tournament to 54 holes and play the final 18 yesterday, but heavy rain overnight and more blustery wind meant it was impossible to get all 80 remaining players round the saturated course.

The event was therefore reduced to 36 holes – with 75 per cent of the original prize money awarded – and a play-off was required on the 18th hole to decide a winner.

Mansfield's Greg Owen, Spain's Miguel Angel Martin and Swede Henrik Nystrom shared third place on one under par.