Wilson looks on the bright side after play-off loss

Oliver Wilson believes he has made good progress from his last play-off defeat after suffering the same heartache at the Johnnie Walker Classic in Phuket on Sunday.

The 26-year-old, who was a member of the victorious Walker Cup team in 2003, carded a final round 71 to join Anton Haig and overnight leader Richard Sterne on 13 under-par and force a thrilling climax at the Blue Canyon Country Club.

The Mansfield golfer and Sterne both then missed birdie putts on the first play-off hole but Haig made no such mistake from 10ft to land first prize and claim his first victory on the European Tour.

Wilson's last play-off defeat came in the 2006 Volvo China Open as Ryder Cup star Paul Casey came from six shots back on the final day before lifting the title on the first play-off hole.

"The last time I was in a play-off I didn't do myself justice in the last round and made some mistakes," Wilson admitted.

"I felt more comfortable this time and mentally I did everything I could. So from that perspective I am quite happy, although obviously disappointed with the final outcome.

"I hope it won't be long before I am back in this sort of position."

Wilson had a chance to win his first tour title in regulation but missed from 20ft for birdie on the 72nd hole.

"I had my chances and didn't take them," he added. "It was easy from the middle of the fairway both in regulation play and in the play-off on the 18th and I didn't get the ball within 20 feet. That was disappointing.

"I hit a great putt in the play-off but probably gave myself too much to do with Richard and Anton well inside me."

Scotland's Colin Montgomerie finished tied for sixth on eight under after a closing 71 while England's Simon Hurd finished a further shot back after a double bogey on the 14th.

"I'm over the moon. I just made one bad swing on 14, I hit it heavy and pulled it, I was a bit unhappy with that," said Hurd, who shot up the leaderboard following a third-round 66.

"I felt comfortable out there, which I hope is a start to something better and something new.

"I didn't quite hole the puts when I wanted to but I'm happy with the weekend and I'm happy with my finish."