Monday 11 September 2017 11:14, UK
Matt Fitzpatrick admitted he thought his hopes of Omega European Masters victory may have been over before he snatched his playoff win in Switzerland.
Fitzpatrick claimed his fourth European Tour title in dramatic fashion at Crans-sur-Sierre, firing a six-under 64 and then seeing off Scott Hend at the third extra playoff hole.
The Englishman was four shots off the pace heading into the final round, where he briefly held a two-stroke lead until a penultimate-hole bogey saw him finish alongside Hend on 14-under.
Hend missed a six-foot birdie putt for victory at the second playoff hole, allowing Fitzpatrick to take the title with a two-putt par at their next extra hole.
"I was saying to (caddie) Jamie, 'I think 17 might have cost us today'," Fitzpatrick said. It's never nice to see, but we kept our nerve and just played really smart all week.
"I'm delighted, as it's one that I've always wanted to win. I love playing this golf course, from the first ever year I came as an invite in 2014 it's one that has really stood out on my schedule and I always want to come back and play.
"I supposed no one wants to see Hend losing the playoff again but it's just one of those things and I felt bad about it. I played really nicely to win today."
Hend's playoff defeat is his second in as many years at the event, having been beaten in extra holes by Alex Noren at last year's event.
The Australian carded a two-under 68 on Sunday having taken a three-shot lead into the final round, leaving him still waiting for a third European Tour title and a first in Europe.
"I had my opportunity and I didn't take it," Hend said. "That usually what happens when you take your opportunities, so that's the way it goes.
"It would have been nice to hole that putt to get it over and done with, but it didn't happen. I didn't play as nicely in the afternoon round as I wish I could have."
