South Africa's Trevor Immelman drew on advice received from Ernie Els to withstand a fierce charge from the world number two on his way to a three-stroke victory in the Players' championship at Royal Cape GC in Cape Town yesterday.

Immelman (20), who describes Els as something of a "big brother" and often practises with the double US Open champion, carded a final round 69 for a nine-under-par 279 total.

Els closed with a 69 to share second place with overnight leader and fellow South African Titch Moore, who faded to a 75.

Els surged into contention with three consecutive birdies from the 10th to move one shot behind Immelman. Immelman holed a tough 10-footer for par at the 13th, and then another at the 14th.

Els bogeyed the 14th and 15th to slip slip three behind Immelman and the youngster showed no signs of capitulating over the final holes.

Ireland's Darren Clarke, who lost a play-off in the tournament last year, shot 68 to share fourth place with South African David Frost (69) on 283.