Ramsay wins South African Open Championship

Published Dec. 21, 2009 7:41 p.m. ET

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Richie Ramsay of Scotland birdied the first hole of a playoff to defeat Shiv Kapur of India and win the South African Open Championship on Sunday.

Ramsay shot a 7-under 65 to move past overnight leader Pablo Martin of Spain (73), Sunshine Tour Order of Merit winner Anders Hansen of Denmark (69) - who finished a stroke back in third - and finally Kapur (67).

Ramsay had a putt for the championship on the last at the Pearl Valley Golf Estates but it went fractionally left, forcing he and Kapur to go back up the par-5 18th for the playoff.

Kapur had to lay up in the playoff with his fourth shot - a chip from the fringe - landing within two feet. Ramsay reached the green in two and his 15-foot eagle putt came up just short, enabling him to tap in and raise his arms in triumph.

``I had no thought of laying up, because I was so sure of myself over the shot,'' Ramsay said.

Ramsay clinched his playoff spot at the 17th, sending his approach over the water on to the green and sinking a 15-foot putt.

``I hit an 8-iron in, and I couldn't believe it cleared the water,'' he said. ``My heart was in my mouth.''

Martin, who won last week's Alfred Dunhill Championship, bogeyed the third and never recovered, managing only one birdie. A bogey at the 17th saw him finish joint sixth with Darren Fichardt of South Africa (66).