Jimenez holds nerve in sudden-death win

(GETTY)

Miguel Angel Jimenez beat Lee Westwood at the third play-off hole to win the Dubai Desert Classic yesterday following a thrilling see-saw final day at Emirates Golf Club.

European No 1 Westwood birdied the last hole in regulation to card a final round level par 72 to join Jimenez at 11-under. Spaniard Jimenez, who began the day holding a one shot lead alongside Westwood, Alvaro Quiros and Thongchai Jaidee, missed a 10-foot birdie chance at the 72nd hole to card his own final round of 72.

Westwood missed championship-winning putts at the first two extra holes, while on both occasions Jimenez had to fight to stay in contention – with a 12-foot par putt the second time around keeping his title hopes alive.

After switching to the par-four ninth after two trips up the 18th, Jimenez holed out from four feet to claim his 19th professional title and first since the 2008 PGA Championship, after Westwood had missed his six-foot par putt. "I feel so proud to win this trophy. I like the course, the ambience and the people and I am very happy," said the 46-year-old, the two-time Dubai Desert Classic runner-up.

"I made a very good putt on the second hole of the play-off that kept me going then I had a putt to win. It proves the old guys like me can win."

Asian No 1 Jaidee carded a one-over-par 73 to finish third by a shot after missing a two-foot birdie putt at the last. Abu Dhabi champion Martin Kaymer (70) and Challenge Tour No 1 Edoardo Molinari (71) finished fourth at nine under, with Rory McIlroy and Alvaro Quiros a further shot adrift.

McIlroy produced a valiant defence of his maiden title but could only manage a 73, while Quiros needed an eagle at the last to earn a play-off but found the water and carded a final-round 75.