JUSTIN ROSE yesterday proved his Open Championship heroics were not a flash in the pan after narrowly missing out on his maiden European Tour victory in the Alfred Dunhill Championship.

The Hampshire youngster carded a final round 69 to finish 20-under-par at Houghton Golf Club and was only pipped to the win after a stunning display from Australian Adam Scott as the 20-year-old pair fought out a thrilling duel.

Scott, who led by one overnight, also closed with a 69 for 21-under total of 267, to hold off Rose's brave challenge and claim the £79,000 winner's cheque.

Six-times major winner Nick Faldo finished tied third, a shot behind Rose.

Rose, from Hook near Basingstoke, finished fourth at Royal Birkdale as a 17-year-old amateur but then missed 21 cuts in a row after turning professional the next day.

He has also needed to make three trips to the qualifying school to earn his card. But after coming through that six-round ordeal twice with flying colours, he is now beginning to reap the rewards of plenty of hard work with coach David Leadbetter.

"I'm happy with the way the week has worked out, I'm very proud that I hung in there," said Rose, who collected £57,500 for second place and is already within sight of earning enough money to secure his card for next season. .

"I had a great chance to win but I feel like I didn't throw the chance away. I felt comfortable with the situation and proved to myself I am capable of winning. That's a big positive.

"I was nervous on the last green because I've never been in that situation before and I think I just mis-read the putt and pulled it a fraction."

* SEE MONDAY'S SOUTHERN DAILY ECHO FOR YOUR FREE 12 PAGE WEEKEND SPORTS SUPPLEMENT