• Zurich Classic, Round Four

Dufner bags maiden title as Donald returns to No. 1

Jason Dufner held his nerve to triumph in a play-off © PA Photos

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Jason Dufner showed nerves of steel to edge out Ernie Els to win a play-off at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans.

Dufner, who is set to wed fiancée Amanda Boyd next weekend, sunk a birdie putt on the second play-off hole to claim his first PGA Tour title.

Els had the chance to snatch victory on the first play-off hole, but when he failed to drain his birdie putt, the pair returned to the 18th tee.

Dufner had the early advantage as his tee-shot found the fairway, while Els's drive landed in a bunker. While Els reached the green in three, Dufner had a 59-foot putt for eagle after he found the green with his second shot. Els made a sterling attempt for birdie from 19 feet, but it was left to Dufner, who buried his putt to secure his first tour win at the 164th atttempt.

Meanwhile, Luke Donald secured his return to world No. 1 after he finished in third place. Donald, who needed to finish solo seventh or better to leapfrog Rory McIroy at the top of the world rankings, shot a bogey-free 67 to finish on 17-under, one stroke ahead of Ryan Palmer and Graham DeLaet.

Steve Stricker was a shot further back as he signed for a 70 to go 15-under for the tournament, one shot clear of Ken Duke, Cameron Tringale and John Rollins.

Englishman Justin Rose's bid to go bogey-free on Sunday came to an end at the 17th, but he immediately atoned with a birdie at the last as he finished on 13-under in a tie for 10th.

Masters champion Bubba Watson saw his challenge fade as he finished on 11-under. Watson made a charge up the leaderboard on Saturday, but could not build on his sparkling 65 as he signed for a 70.

The shot of the day belonged to Charles Howell III at the par-three ninth. Howell finished well off the pace on eight-under after a final round 71, but the American thrilled the Louisiana crowds as he claimed a hole-in-one - his second of 2012 after his ace in the final round of the Honda Classic earlier in the year.

There was disappointment for Graeme McDowell, who finished well off the pace at TPC Louisiana. The former US Open champion went round in par to finish the weekend on five-under.

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