Ireland's Paul Dunne finished ninth at the Joburg Open, five shots behind the winner, Haydn Porteous of South Africa.
The Wicklow man had come into the final round just two off overnight leaders Anthony Wall, Zander Lombard and Porteous but saw his challenge slip away with a level-par round of 72.
The 22-year-old's round included four bogeys and four birdies.
Porteous held his nerve for a bogey-free round of 69 to claim a maiden European Tour victory.
He made just five bogeys all week and hit every green in regulation at the Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Club during his final round, while the chasing pack behind him struggled for the same consistency.
The 21-year-old finished the tournament on 18-under-par, two shots ahead of compatriot Zandersaf Lombard (71).
A further shot back was group of four players, all of who looked as though they may steal the limelight on Sunday before fading -- Swede Bjorn Akesson (68), England's Wall (72), Daniel Im (70) from the US and home hope Justin Walters (69).
The three top-ranked players have also earned their place at he 145th Open at Royal Troon in July - Porteous, Lombard and Wall, who qualifies ahead of the other players on 15-under-par by virtue of his world ranking.
