Kieffer wins maiden Challenge Tour title

Ahmedabad, India – German Max Kieffer parred the first playoff hole Sunday to defeat India's own Rahil Gangjee and win The Gujarat Kensville Challenge 2012.

Kieffer earned his first European Challenge Tour title in this, the season- opener for the circuit.

Kieffer posted a final-round, two-under 70 on Sunday, while Gangjee, the third-round leader, managed a one-under 71. The pair finished regulation tied at seven-under 281 and was off to the par-four 18th at Kensville Golf & Country Club to begin the playoff.

In the extra session, Kieffer found the fairway off the tee, while Gangjee landed in a bunker. Kieffer knocked his second to 40 feet and Gangjee hit the lip with his approach and the ball bounced into water.

After a drop, Gangjee hit his fifth to 20 feet. Kieffer ran his birdie effort to four feet, then Gangjee missed his bogey putt. Kieffer could two-putt from four feet for the title, but poured in the par save for his first victory on the Challenge Tour.

Paul Dwyer shot a four-under 68 and tied for third place with Callum Macaulay, who had a two-under 70 on Sunday, and Andrea Harto, who carded a 71. The trio came in at minus-five.

Raymond Russell and Chris Doak both posted three-under 69s in the final round and shared sixth at three-under par.