Pablo Martin has successfully defended his Alfred Dunhill Championship title, shooting a 2-under 70 yesterday for a two-shot victory.

The Spaniard recovered from a triple-bogey 7 at No. 17 to birdie the last for an 11-under 277 at Leopard Creek Country Club, two clear of Thorbjorn Olesen, Charl Schwartzel and Anthony Michael.

Martin surged ahead with an eagle-birdie start, but stuttered with the disastrous 7, which cut his three-shot lead over playing partner Michael to one stroke with one to play.

But Martin sent his second on the par-5 No. 18 on to the green as Michael found the water.

He is the first player to retain a European Tour title since Padraig Harrington won a second straight British Open in 2008.