Darren Fichardt wins Africa Open

South Africa's Darren Fichardt won the Africa Open at the East London Golf Club by two strokes from his countryman Jaco Van Zyl and Gregory Bourdy of France.

Fichardt began the final round tied for the lead with Van Zyl, but with four birdies in his first 13 holes Fichardt had pulled four shots clear. The 37-year-old stumbled towards the finish with bogeys at the 14th, 16th and 17th holes but Van Zyl was unable to close the gap sufficiently. When Van Zyl made a bogey at the closing hole, the title was secured for Fichardt. It was his fourth European Tour victory.

"This is one of my favourite tournaments. The golf course is second to none - you've got to hit a lot of knock down shots and irons off the tee," said Fichardt. "I always enjoy coming here, and obviously winning the tournament makes the week especially enjoyable."

Gregory Bourdy of France looked like he may challenge for the title when he made an eagle at the 3rd hole. But he cancelled the gain with two bogeys. He made three late birdies to catch Van Zyl and tie for second place.

Another home player, Garth Mulroy finished alone in fourth; two shot clear of four men in a tie for fifth. That group included England's Andy Sullivan.

Africa Open East London Golf Club, Eastern Cape, South Africa Feb 14 - 17, purse €1,000,000 par 72

1   Darren Fichardt (RSA)   69   67   65   71   272   €158,500 T2   Gregory Bourdy (Fra)   70   67   67   70   274   €92,100 T2   Jaco Van Zyl (RSA)   66   67   68   73   274   €92,100 4   Garth Mulroy (RSA)   72   67   69   67   275   €49,100 T5   Desvonde Botes (RSA)   74   67   66   70   277   €32,700 T5   Andy Sullivan (Eng)   70   70   69   68   277   €32,700 T5   Mark Tullo (Chi)      69   69   68   71   277   €32,700 T5   Tjaart Van der Walt (RSA) 70 68   68   71   277   €32,700 T9   Andrew Curlewis (RSA)   69   73   69   67   278   €19,700 T9   Emiliano Grillo (Arg)   70   71   64   73   278   €19,700 T9   Ricardo Santos (Por)   71   66   70   71   278   €19,700   

Note: Player score in bold signifies Titleist ball usage Where next? PGA Tour - John Merrick wins Northern Trust Open