Thumbs-up to World Super6

There could be little doubt that the winner, Brett Rumford, would lend his approval to the European Tour's innovative format at the World Super6 in Perth, Australia.

But the fact that Louis Oosthuizen also gave the experimental hybrid system his thumbs up surely proved it was a success.

The world No25, Oosthuizen was beaten in the quarterfinals by the unheralded Australian Adam Bland and eventually finished fifth. Yet, despite having seen his chance of a first title of the year come to an end on a 66m shootout hole, the 2010 Open champion was full of praise for the hybrid strokeplay-matchplay format.

"I think they have got a good concept," he said. "I think a few tweaks here and there would make it really good, but it's nerve-racking standing on that little 66m hole. It's nice pressure and good fun."

Oosthuizen was in a tie for second after 54 holes of strokeplay, but the only advantage he had to show for his fine form over the three rounds was a bye into the second round of the Sunday six-hole matchplay knockout stages.

The top eight of the 24 qualifiers were allowed to sit out the first round, but in the event, it did Oosthuzein little good as Bland beat him on the third extra hole, which was contested from a special tee to the 18th green. However, Bland's run came to an end when Rumford beat him by one hole.

For Rumford, 39, this was such a welcome win in his home city. He lost his European Tour playing privileges last year, but now has his card for the next two seasons.

"It's great to be back. I've done a lot of reflection these past few months after last year," he said. "I had a tough year and didn't see my family that much, only four weeks in six months." - © The Daily Telegraph