Paul Waring edged Thomas Aiken in a playoff to capture his first European Tour title at the Nordea Masters.

Waring and Aiken entered Sunday’s finale at Hills Golf Club tied for the lead, and after 18 holes, the duo remained deadlocked at 14-under par.

On the first playoff hole, No. 18, the South African Aiken dunked his tee shot into the water, while England’s Waring made par to claim his maiden title in his 200th start.

“I’m ecstatic,” said Waring. “I wasn’t ever sure this day would come in total honesty. I’ve tried so hard for many years to get to this point and it’s nice to finally cross the line and be holding the trophy.

“It feels like it’s all worth it. I’ve had a couple of operations along the way and it’s nice to finally have got to this point. I’m sure that everyone back home will be absolutely thrilled for me.

“This is all for everyone back home as well.”

Alone in third was German Maximilian Kieffer who finished with a 65 to reach 13 under, one shot clear of red-hot Thorbjorn Olesen (67) of Denmark. Aussie Lucas Herbert (66) rounded out the top-5 finishers at 11-under par.

FINAL TOP 5

POS-PLAYER-SCORE (FINAL ROUND)
1. Paul Waring -14 (-2)
2. Thomas Aiken -14 (-2)
3. Maximilian Kieffer -13 (-5)
4. Thorbjorn Olesen -12 (-3)
5. Lucas Herbert -11 (-4)

FINAL-ROUND HIGHLIGHTS

EXIT QUOTE

“It feels like it’s all worth it. I’ve had a couple of operations along the way and it’s nice to finally have got to this point.”
– Paul Waring