LOUIS Oosthuizen is the champion. The South African golfer won the Africa Open on Sunday, 9 January at the East London Golf Club, the second time he has won the tournament.

He won by two shots from another South African golfer, Tjaart van der Walt, who carded a four under 69. The two started the final round as joint leaders, and the game only turned in Oosthuizen's favour at the penultimate hole.

The former British champion birdied the par three 17th while Van der Walt made a bogey at the same hole to settle the tussle. Van der Walt started his final day with birdies in his first three holes but picked up only two more birdies and a bogey to go in round 69.

Finishing third was Retief Goosen with three shots off the lead on 24 under, after he finished with a 69. Goosen carded a birdie and an eagle in his opening three holes but his challenge faded and he picked up just two more birdies and a bogey.

Another South African, Jaco van Zyl, grabbed fourth place, finishing on 23 under, while Scotland's Alastair Forsyth was in fifth place.

Speaking about the match, Oosthuizen said: "I might have been pushing my luck. It was a real dog fight out there between us."

Congratulating Van der Walt on his game, he added: "I knew his final round battle would not be easy. He played very well."

About his game, Durban-born Van der Walt said: "I had a messy start with an eagle, a birdie and two drop shots in the first five holes but took on the sixth and that birdie got me going again."

The Africa Open was launched in 2008 at the Fish River Sun Country Club and moved to East London in 2009 after Buffalo City became one of the principal sponsors, committing to a three-year contract that ended this year.

In early January, the portfolio head of local economic development, Pumla Nzo, announced that the metro would extend its sponsorship of the ?1-million (about R10,4-million) tournament. "This guarantees that the city will continue to welcome a strong cast of international golfers and enjoy the economic benefit the tournament brings for a further five years."

The City's decision to throw its weight behind the tournament for another five years had been influenced by the economic benefits. "Each year, in excess of 300 jobs are created before, during and immediately after the tournament."