David Law pipped in Durban shoot-out
The former Scottish champion had finished tied at the top with Jared Harvey on a 14-under 274 but saw his hopes crumble in the sudden-death shoot-out when he found water with his approach and racked up a 7.
Law, 19, had been leading by a shot from Harvey with a round to play and the Paul Lawrie protg doubled his advantage as he covered 12 holes in two-under.
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Hide AdLocal hopeful Harvey picked up a birdie at 14, in between Law spilling shots at 13 and 15, to take a narrow lead. But, as the pressure mounted, the South African slumped to a bogey on the last in a 71 while Law two-putted for par and a 72 to force the play-off.
The Aberdonian's hopes of joining Ernie Els and Trevor Immelman on the trophy ended in a watery grave as Harvey emulated his dad George, who won the title in 1973 and 1976.
Southerness teenager Scott Gibson finished with a 71 for a 278 and a share of fifth while Fraserburgh's Kris Nicol tied for eighth on 279 after a 74. Scottish champion Michael Stewart closed with a 72 for 283 but Kirkhill's Paul Shields, two off the lead with a round to play after a pair of 65s, toppled down the field with an 81 for 285.