Elson is denied maiden Tour win

Elson, who began his golfing career at Crewe Lane, carded a magnificent nine-under-par 63 in the final round to hold the clubhouse lead on 16 under par.

But he missed out on winning his first European Tour event by just one shot after South African Branden Grace returned a final- round 72 to finish on 17 under.

After carding a first-day 63, Elson fell back on the second day with a 75 before a third round two-under-par 70 kept him in contention.

Elson, 30, then produced a stunning final round which included six birdies on the opening nine holes.

He added another birdie on the 16th and completed a marvellous day with an eagle on the 18th.

Elson, who holed a 40-foot birdie putt on the final green of the European Tour’s qualifying school at the end of last year to secure his card, could then only sit and watch from the clubhouse.

But he had to settle for the runners-up spot again, just as he did in Madeira last spring, as overnight leader Grace held his nerve to take the top prize.

Elson picked up a cheque for £123,000, more than double his previous biggest pay day, which put him third in the order of merit for this year’s Race To Dubai.

Elson’s only win came in the Finnish Open on the Challenge Tour the year he turned pro in 2003.