DOHA, Qatar, March 16 (UPI) -- Darren Fichardt beat fellow South African James Kingston at the first hole of a sudden death playoff Sunday to win the Qatar Masters.
It was the second European Tour title for the 27-year-old Fichardt, who captured the Sao Paulo Brazil Open in 2001.
Kingston, who is 10 years older than Fichardt, approached the par-5 18th needing a birdie to claim his first European Tour title. But while Fichardt watched from the first floor terrace of the Doha Golf Club, Kingston's 15-footer for birdie fell short, forcing the playoff.
Fichardt and Kingston returned to the 18th hole for a second time. Fichardt's iron shot landed 40 feet away, but Kingston found a bunker, and was unable to get up and down. Seizing the opportunity, Fichardt putted up to three feet and holed for birdie.
"My last playoff was not exactly glorious and today brought back memories," said Fichardt, who lost to Soren Hansen of Denmark in a playoff in the 2002 Irish Open. "In Ireland, I found myself on a par-5 in two needing two putts to win and didn't do it. This time, I managed to pull it off."
Fichardt and Kingston each shot a 3-under 69 on Sunday to finish tied at 13-under 275.
The first prize of $156,054 moved Fichardt into eighth place on the Volvo Order of Merit. Kingston rose to 12th place in the Volvo Order, giving him full exempt status on the European Tour in 2004.
"Winning my European Tour card is something I've always dreamed of," Kingston said. "Despite the disappointment (of losing the playoff), I am ecstatic to have finally achieved it. At 37, I suppose you could say better late than never."
Ryder Cup match winner Paul McGinley of Ireland, who had been diagnosed with pneumonia earlier in the week, shot a 67 on Sunday and finished at 11-under. His chance of victory disappeared with a bogey at the 17th hole.
England's David Howell of England carded a 68 Sunday and was fourth at 10-under.
Fichardt turned his weekend around on Saturday, when he fired a 66 to move into contention. He birdied his first hole and followed with a hole-in-one at the 224-yard third for the first tournament ace of his career.
Sunday, Fichardt enjoyed a bogey-free round with birdies on 10, 16 and 18.
Kingston bogeyed the seventh, but followed with a birdie on the eighth and also birdied the 10th, 13th and 14th holes to take the lead.
Ireland's Padraig Harrington had the best round of the day with a 65 and finished 4-under overall.
