Neil Cheetham lost to home hope Charl Schwartzel in a play-off to decide which of the two would win his first European Tour title in the Dunhill Championship at South Africa's Leopard Creek Country Club.

Worksop golfer Cheetham was denied when Schwartzel birdied the first play-off hole of a tournament in which the Englishman had looked well-placed for victory throughout.

Schwartzel, tipped as the player to follow in South African greats Ernie Els and Retief Goosen's footsteps, finally fulfilled his promise by holding his nerve on a tense last few holes and in the playoff.

The 20-year-old former English Amateur Open Strokeplay champion said: ''It's an unbelievable feeling, indescribable.''

''This is something I've always worked for, and to finally break through is an amazing feeling.

''I could have made it easier for myself, two-putting on 17 and 18. But there is a lot of pressure out there, and it is difficult.''

Cheetham was in good spirits afterwards, in stark contrast to many other players who had disappointment at Malelane.

Until recently a club professional in Sheffield, he once again displayed the disarming humour which has characterised his approach this week.

''I've had a fantastic week and really enjoyed it. Charl deserved it, because he had a fantastic up-and-down. I didn't hit the ball particularly well today."

Schwartzel's win came at the end of an afternoon of high drama when several players had chances but failed to capitalise under the warm African sun.

Scot Euan Little was the first to fall back when he hit his approach shot on the 18th into the water, while another Brit, Oliver Whiteley, missed an eagle putt from four feet out which would have put him into the play-off.

Tournament favourite Els also missed an eagle on the 18th and had to be content with a share of third place.

But Cheetham and Schwartzel went head to head over the final holes.

Cheetham dropped shots on both the 15th and 16th to putts which he left short from 10 feet.

But eventually when the key final hole arrived Cheetham sunk his birdie putt to ensure he would have another chance to claim his first title.

While Cheetham went down the middle with his tee shot on the play-off, Schwartzel pulled his right.

The South African then produced a beauty of an approach into the green, which stopped just a foot short of the water at the back of the green.

Cheetham's approach was well short of the flag at the front of the green.

The Englishman then left his putt 12 feet short, and Schwartzel chipped to seven feet from the pin, leaving his opponent too much to do to save the play-off with his final putt.

''I knew I shouldn't leave the putt short, but I just couldn't hit it harder,'' said Cheetham.

''I didn't have the nerve. I knew the line and I knew the speed. But I just couldn't sink it.''