Charl Schwartzel retained his crown at the Alfred Dunhill Championship courtesy of a third successive flawless round. The world number 21 began Sunday&aposs final round at Leopard Creek in the South African farming town of Malelane with a two-shot advantage and held off nearest rival Richard Finch by picking up three shots on the front nine. Another birdie at 13 extended South African Schwartzel&aposs lead in his home country, as Finch faltered and the 29-year-old finished four clear on 17 under. In carding a closing 68, the victor extended his bogey-free run to 62 holes and defended the title he won last December by 12 strokes. Schwartzel was also victorious on the Leopard Creek course in 2005, meaning he has now matched Ernie Els&apos three wins at the event. Finch went round in 70 to keep hold of second, with fellow Englishmen Simon Dyson and Ross Fisher sharing third with France&aposs Romain Wattel on 10 under.
Author: Omnisport