Kingston wins Mercedes-Benz event in playoff

Cologne, Germany: James Kingston of South Africa captured his second title on the European Tour when he beat Anders Hansen of Denmark in a playoff at the Mercedes-Benz Championship on Sunday.

Hansen's third shot from the bunker landed about two meters (six 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 December 2007.

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, no relation to Anders, 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 played a 3-under 69 in the final round Sunday to finish at 275. Anders Hansen carded a 5-under as both went into the playoff at 13-under.

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

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

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