South African Ernie Els continued his perfect start to PGA Tour season when he won the Sony Open in Hawaii, to become the first player in 14 years to win the opening two events of the season.
Aaron Baddeley took Els to a play-off after the duo were tied on 264 (16 under), but when the South African rolled in an unlikely 55-foot putt on the 10th hole, Baddeley missed his 20-foot effort to hand the title to his rival.
Chris DiMarco finished in third place on 266 while the defending champion Jerry Kelly and Australian Robert Allenby had to settle for a share of fourth place. Meanwhile Stuart Appleby, also Australian, was alone in sixth place on 269.
A delighted Els admitted his surprise at sinking the long range putt on the winning hole. "I was just trying to stay alive and all of a sudden you make the putt and win the tournament. It's crazy, I was trying to make it but from 55 feet what are your chances really? So, you hit the best putt you can and hope for the best," he said.
"I really felt I was swinging well today. I could see Aaron wasn't comfortable with his swing but he is young, he's full of confidence. He's got so much talent, he just stuck in there and he never let go," the trimphant Els added.
Filed by Rob Wright
