Kingston defeats Hansen in Mercedes-Benz playoff

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COLOGNE, Germany (AP) -- James Kingston of South Africa captured his second title on the European Tour when he defeated Anders Hansen of Denmark in a playoff at the Mercedes-Benz Championship on Sunday.

Hansen's third shot from the bunker landed about 6 feet short from the extra hole, and his putt skimmed off the rim, giving him a bogey. Kingston made his putt for par and took his first title since winning the South African Airways Open at Pearl Valley in Dec. 2007.

He became the oldest winner on the European Tour this season at 43.

"A week ago, I didn't even know I was in the event," Kingston said. "I got in through last year's rankings, so to come out and win a championship like the Mercedes-Benz Championship on a golf course like this makes it more special."

"I spoke to the lady who does my travel arrangements, and she asked what I was doing. I said I wasn't playing, and she replied: 'What do you mean? You're in.' I didn't know at that stage.

"One minute you don't even think you are playing, and the next you win it! It's like the South African Open. I was injured a couple of days beforehand, and didn't think I could play, and I went on to win that. Two wins, and both of them unexpected."

Kingston was two shots ahead with two holes to play but had a bogey on the 17th after Hansen had a birdie.

Soren Hansen of Denmark, Peter Hanson of Sweden and Simon Dyson of England shared third place, one stroke further back on 276.

All three needed birdies on the final hole to be in the playoff, but all missed.

Kingston shot a 3-under 69 in the final round Sunday to finish at 275. Anders Hansen carded a 5-under round as both went into the playoff at 13 under.

Hanson went into the final round with a one-shot lead over Dyson, S. Hansen and Kingston but carded a 71.

The highest ranked golfer in the field of 78, No. 6 Henrik Stenson of Sweden, finished at 278.

Lee Westwood of England, No. 10 in the world, was one shot further back.