LEADERBOARD -12 T Immelman (SA) -9 S Webster (Eng), A Forsyth (Sco) -7 D Fichardt (SA) Collated scores

Trevor Immelman retained his South African Open title with a final round of 67 in Cape Town.

The 24-year-old South African began the final day two strokes behind overnight leader Anders Hansen.

Immelman, who won last year's championship in a play-off with Tim Clark, made the decisive move with five birdies in the first 10 holes.

Scotland's Alastair Forsyth and Steve Webster of England finished three shots back in joint second place.

Hansen slipped back into a tie for ninth with a final round 76 that included a double bogey seven on the 16th and triple bogey seven on the 17th.

South African Craig Lile, who shared the overnight lead with Hansen, made a quadruple bogey eight on the 17th.

I definitely feel I am a better player this year than I was last year Trevor Immelman

Lile finished on four under alongside Colin Montgomerie, who shot 69, and Lee Westwood, who made 71.

In winning, Immelman emulated compatriots Gary Player, the last man to defend the title, and Ernie Els, who was the last man to defend a title on the European Tour.

"Those guys are legends in South African sport and it is fantastic for me to have done something that they have done," said Immelman.

And the South African believed his game has improved since his first win.

"I definitely feel I am a better player this year than I was last year," he said.

"I have gotten stronger and have more control over my game and my timing has improved dramatically."

Second-placed Forsyth admitted he was surprised to have done so well after some pre-season tinkering with his game.

"I have struggled with my driving which is strange because it is normally one of the strongest parts of my game," said the Scot.