David Law pipped in Durban shoot-out

David Law was beaten to the South African Amateur Strokeplay title in a play-off at Mount Edgecombe in Durban last night.

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.

Local 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.