Ernie Els ended a 12-month title drought by securing a three-shot victory at the South African Open today after a sparkling final round.

Home favourite Els, who last won at the Dunhill Championship a year ago, fired a closing 65 after starting the day three shots behind countryman Trevor Immelman.
   
Els collected his 62nd title as a professional and his fourth SA Open with a superb display of attacking, but controlled golf on a blustery day at the Humewood Golf Club.
   
His 24-under 263 was a record winning total at the tournament, surpassing the previous best of 21-under by Tony Johnstone in 1993 (Els was second on that occasion) while victory ensured that he has won at least once every year since 1992.
   
Immelman battled all day after shooting a course record 63 in the third round, and could only manage a round of 71 to end on 21-under and sole possession of second place.
   
Sweden's Patrik Sjoland was in third on 20-under after shooting 67. Lee Westwood closed with a 70 to tie for eighth on 14 under.