DAVID Howell's bid for the Saltire Energy Paul Lawrie Matchplay title ended despite a battling recovery in the semi-finals against Robert Karlsson today.
The two-time Ryder Cup star was defeated at the second extra hole by former European number one Karlsson at Murcar Links at Aberdeen having fought back from being three down with six holes to play.
Four birdies in five holes around the turn gave Karlsson a seemingly decisive three-hole lead with six to play, but he bogeyed the 13th and then saw Howell hole an extraordinary long birdie putt with 10 feet of break on the 16th.
A par on the 17th was enough for Howell to get back on level terms and Karlsson then missed from four feet for par to win on the 18th.
The former Ryder Cup teammates both made par on the first extra hole and another par on the 20th gave Karlsson victory after Howell failed to get up and down from over the green.
The Swede booked a final berth against Thailand's Kiradech Aphibarnrat, who saw off home player Marc Warren 3&2 in the other semi final.
Warren and Howell were competing in the third/fourth place play-off this afternoon.
WATCH HOWELL'S WONDER PUTT ON THE 16TH HOLE OF HIS SEMI FINAL AGAINST KARLSSON HERE
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