S. African Kingston tops Hansen in playoff

COLOGNE, Germany, Sept. 13 (UPI) -- James Kingston of South Africa won the Mercedes-Benz Championship in Cologne, Germany, Sunday with a 5-foot par putt on the first hole of a playoff.

Kingston defeated Anders Hansen, who missed a 6-footer for par on the extra hole, which was played in rain and near darkness.

The two players had finished regulation play at 13-under-par 275. Kingston shot a 69 and Hansen had a 67 in the final round.

The victory Kingston's second on the European Tour.

"A week ago I didn't even know I was in the event," Kingston said. "I got in through last year's rankings, so to come out and win a championship like the Mercedes-Benz Championship ... makes it more special.

Simon Dyson (70) and Peter Hanson (71) tied for third-place at 276.