Ernie Els has admitted that he feels sorry for Adam Scott following his one-shot victory over the Australian at the Open Championship this evening.
Scott looked to be heading for a comfortable win as he headed into the back nine at Royal Lytham & St Annes. However, a run of four bogeys on the last four holes saw the 32-year-old hand the trophy to Els.
Reflecting on his victory, South African Els admitted that he was disappointed for his "great friend".
"I am just numb at the moment, I feel for Adam Scott, he is a great friend of mine," he told BBC Sport. "We both wanted to win so badly, but I really feel for him. That is the nature of the beast, that is why we are out here."
Today's victory was Els's second at the Open, having come out on top during the 2002 tournament.