MELBOURNE LEADERBOARD -20 Ernie Els (SA) -19 Adam Scott (Aus) -15 Peter Fowler (Aus)

The South African eventually beat Adam Scott by one shot after carding a two-over par 74 in the final round.

Els hit a triple bogey and four bogeys as he reached the turn in six over, level with Australian Scott.

But four birdies in five holes on his bogey-free back nine helped the 'Big Easy' retake the lead for good.

"It was unbelievable," said Els. "It's like you are feeling a little bit helpless out there.

With a big lead, you just can't let it slip at this level, and I let it slip Ernie Els

"I don't know how I brought it back, but I did. I was the only one who really knew how tough this was.

"With a big lead, you just can't let it slip at this level, and I let it slip."

Scott had a birdie attempt on the final green that would have forced a play-off had it dropped.

"I thought I was going to make it, it was right on line, but I never hit it," said Scott.

"The greens are pretty quick, I've been lagging them all week. But I never should leave it short."

Els finished with a 20-under-par total of 268 while Scott's closing 67 left him at 19-under 269.

Australian Peter Fowler was third at 15-under, followed by Sweden's Peter Hanson a further shot back.