But while the British Open Champion was happy at a good result following a three-week layoff, the South African is anxious to get his short-game in shape before playing the U.S. Open in three weeks' time at Olympia Fields, Illinois.

Els was always in contention for this week's title but felt his chipping and putting held him back.

He finished four strokes short of the playoff between young compatriot Trevor Immelman and Spaniard Ignacio Garrido, the latter winning at the first extra hole.

Els said: "It was a solid week but Trevor shot a 64 at the weekend and Ignacio a 65 and that's exactly what you have to do. It just didn't happen for me.

"Going back top of the order of merit is nice because it means I'm playing solidly but I'd like to win some more tournaments.

"I've definitely got to work on my short-game because it let me down. I've got three weeks to get it right."

Els tops the money list on 1,144,510 euros with Ireland's Padraig Harrington second on 979,754.