The New Zealand golfer Ben Campbell has fallen just short of his dream of winning the Asian Amateur Championships in Singapore after a final round 70 dropped him to third two shots back from Japan's Hideki Matsuyama.
The 20-year-old from Masterton, who took a one shot lead into the final round after the defending champion Matsuyama produced a sensational 65 in round three, struggled early at The Singapore Island Country Club.
It was a frustrating day for Campbell as he double-bogeyed the 2nd hole to see his overnight lead turn into a two shot deficit to his playing partner.
He recovered well with birdies at holes 3, 7 and 8 that kept him in contention.
Further birdies at 16 and 17 kept him in touch but Matsuyama's tap in par on the last for a five under 67 meant there would be no shock finish.
In finishing third Campbell missed an invitation to the Masters and also the prize for runner up which was entry into the final stage of international qualifying for the Open Championship in 2012.
Victory means a return to the Masters Tournament in April for Matsuyama, where he made history last year by becoming the first Asian golfer to win the Silver Cup for low amateur.
Hamilton amateur Mathew Perry had a three under par 69 in the final round to climb to T-9th place.
Vaughan McCall capped off a solid week in Singapore with a one under 73 for also a share of ninth place.
Auckland's Ryan Fox had a disappointing four over 76 to drop 10 places into a share of 17th.
International rookie Sam An, from the Titirangi Golf Club in Auckland, shot a three under 69 to finish tied 17th.
