Howell III won his second PGA Tour title in Los Angeles

FINAL LEADERBOARD:
(US unless stated)
-16 Charles Howell III*, Phil Mickelson
-13 Ernie Els (SA) Robert Allenby (Aus), Jim Furyk
-11 Sergio Garcia (Spa)
-10 Padraig Harrington (Ire)

* Howell III wins on third play-off hole

Charles Howell III beat long-time leader Phil Mickelson in a play-off to win the Nissan Open on Sunday.

Howell parred the third hole of sudden death, the par-three 14th, with a four-footer after Mickelson two-putted from 10 feet for bogey.

Mickelson had led from the second round but bogeyed his 72nd hole for a 68 to join Howell on 16 under.

Ernie Els finished on 13 under, with Sergio Garcia on 11 under and Padraig Harrington on 10 under.

Howell won for only the second time in his career, following victory in the now-defunct Michelob Championship in 2002.

He has finished runner-up on 10 occasions, including twice already in four starts this year.

"I said a prayer before I hit the putt," said Howell. "I said: 'It's time. Go in.'"

Mickelson, who won the Pebble Beach Pro-Am last week, started the day with a one-shot lead over Padraig Harrington and led by three shots at one stage.

"I had every chance on the back nine to create some separation and not give anyone a chance," he said.

"I felt like I had the tournament in my grasp and let it go."

Irishman Harrington also suffered a disappointing final round, shooting 73 to settle for seventh place.

South African Ernie Els, playing his first US event of the season, started the day four adrift and made an early charge with three straight birdies.

But he couldn't sustain the momentum and finished with a 67 that left him in a tie for third with Australian Robert Allenby and world number two Jim Furyk.

"This is my first tournament back and it was quite a big week for me," Els said.

"I was really good at times and, then when I missed it, I was pretty bad. I got the ball up and down numerous times. Overall, I think I was pretty good the way I hit it this week."