Thailand's Kiradech Aphibarnrat defeated Robert Karlsson to claim victory in the final of inaugural Saltire Energy Paul Lawrie Match Play.

The 26-year-old had a strong start to his round as he raced into the lead and was three up after six holes.

However, Karlsson responded with two birdies to reduce the deficit to one up at the turn.

Aphibarnrat found his rhythm again on the back nine to net two further birdies on the 10th and 14th to leave himself on the brink of victory at three up with four holes to play.

The Swede produced his best when he needed to, though, to bring himself back into the match as he won three consecutive holes, with two birdies along with capitalising on a mistake by Aphibarnrat on the 16th to bring him back to all square.

Both players reached the green to have birdie putts on the 18th, but Karlsson missed his shot and Aphibarnrat held his nerve to sink his putt to clinch the title, his second on the European Tour in 2015.