Smyth is denied by Watson

Senior British Open: Scottish links specialist Tom Watson won the Senior British Open for the second time in three years after triumphing in a sudden-death play-off against Ireland's Des Smyth at the Royal Aberdeen Golf Club yesterday.

Just like in 2003 at Turnberry, the 55-year-old American needed extra holes - three - to take the £157,800 first prize with the 51-year-old Smyth collecting £105,250.

Watson, a five-time British Open winner - four of which were at Muirfield, Turnberry, Royal Troon and Carnoustie - prevailed in the play-off after the pair had tied at four under par.

As both players parred the 18th twice, the third hole switched to the par-three 17th where Smyth found a pot bunker off the tee and blasted out, but could not hole his 20-foot par putt.

Watson two-putted from the back of the green for his first victory in more than two years, having won the Tradition major on the US Seniors Tour just a month after his British Seniors Open. He was securing a 12th Major Championship and his fourth in the Senior ranks.

"Today it was somewhat of a struggle. The rhythm wasn't quite there like yesterday. This trophy certainly means something to me," said a delighted Watson.

"It looked like we were going to play 18 about nine or 10 times, but we ended up on 17. Des made an error there and fortunately I got the cup in my hands.

"This is a beautiful course - everything you look for in a links test. We got to know it better over the last two rounds and that showed in the scoring."

Smyth, bidding for his first major win, was philosophical about his defeat. "I shot 68-67 over the weekend, so I played well over the last two rounds," he said.

"I had a couple of three putts and you can't do that against this class of opposition. I hit a poor tee shot at 17th. My concentration maybe just lapsed a bit, but Tom's a great champion."

Overnight leader Watson was caught by Greg Norman and Smyth and although the Australian dropped off the pace, the Drogheda man virtually matched his American counterpart shot for shot from the eighth onwards.

Europe's Ryder Cup vice-captain had a lucky escape at the last when his wayward drive missed the gorse and he was able to produce a good enough recovery to save par and finish with a 67 to tie with Watson, who shot 70.

Norman holed a 25-foot birdie putt at the last for a 68 to finish three under while Craig Stadler shot a 72 for a one-under-par total and good enough for fourth place.