ST. ANDREWS,Scotland: Oliver Wilson held his nerve down the stretch to win his first career EPGA title as the world No. 792 upset the field at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.

The 34-year-old Englishman, a losing player on the 2008 European Ryder Cup team, finally tasted victory with a 72-hole total of 17-under par at St. Andrews, after finishing runner-up nine times during his topsy-turvy career.

His compatriot and playing partner Tommy Fleetwood had a chance to send the tournament to a play-off but missed a 10ft putt for birdie on 18 to hand the emotional Wilson victory.

World No. 1 Rory McIlroy and Scotland’s Richie Ramsey also finished one shot back along with Fleetwood on 16-under.

Scotland’s Chris Doak was alone in fifth a further stroke back, after a six under 66.

“I don’t have words for it, this has been 10 or 11 years coming,” said a tearful Wilson after his win.

“Nine-times runner-up, nothing had gone my way but I must thank the organizers because they offered me an invite to play this week and I’m very grateful.

“I’ve never been able to win a tournament but I tried to be patient today (Sunday) and Rory (McIlroy) was in front so I was keeping an eye on him and Tommy (Fleetwood) who played very well today.

“So many people had written me off which obviously hurt me but a lot of others believed in me and they know who they are. Thanks to all of them.

“Every day my confidence grew and I have good memories here at St. Andrews (finished second in 2009 behind Simon Dyson).”

Wilson, who splits his time between his native Mansfield in England and Augusta, Georgia, came into the final round with a three-shot lead but saw that evaporate over the front nine when South African Louis Oosthuizen birdied four of his first six holes.

McIlroy got off to the worst possible start when he double bogeyed the opening hole after missing the green but bounced back with four straight birdies to claw himself back into contention.

Chasing his fifth win of the season, the world No. 1, was tied for the lead down the stretch but bogeyed the difficult 17th when he rolled his putt from off the green into a pot bunker.

Playing alongside his father Gerry, who was celebrating his 55th birthday and playing the pro-am with his son, McIlroy birdied the 18th to get within one but just came up short.

England’s Lewton takes 1st Asian Tour title in Taiwan

In Taipei,overnight leader England’s Steve Lewton carded one-under-par 71 Sunday for a total of 283 to snatch his first Asian Tour title at the $650,000 Mercuries Taiwan Masters.

Lewton, who held a three-day total of 212, was able to retain his lead throughout after firing five birdies against four bogeys at the challenging Taiwan Golf and Country Club’s Tamsui course.

“It’s strange that I didn’t feel any pressure during the round, maybe because I didn’t get to see a lot of scoreboards out there... It’s just amazing to win this kind of stressful event,” said the 31-year-old.

An emotional Lewton dedicated the much-anticipated victory to his late father, who had helped him through difficulties.

“It’s been quite a tough year for me. I lost my father at the start of the year. He was diagnosed with bile cancer about two years ago and passed away earlier in January. He was my best friend and he was also an avid golfer,” said Lewton who took home a prise money of $130,000.

“He kept me going in golf when I was struggling in the past few years. It’s a real shame that he’s not here anymore to witness this but I’m sure he will be happy for me wherever he is.”

Two shots behind were Adilson Da Silva of Brazil and Filipino veteran Antonio Lascuna, who shared second place.

Thaworn Wiratchant of Thailand and Unho Park of Australia both fired a 72 for a total of 286 to settle for the fourth place.