Local favourite Martin Kaymer recovered from losing a six-shot lead to win a play-off against Denmark's Anders Hansen to claim victory in the BMW International Open on Sunday.

Kaymer, the 2007 rookie of the year, had a nightmare last round of 75, running up a triple-bogey eight on the long 11th, putting two balls in the lake short of the green.

But the 23-year-old, now sixth in the Ryder Cup race, birdied two holes later and then, needing another on the par-five last to match Hansen's 15-under-par total, was on in two and almost made a 40-foot putt for eagle and the 262,752-pound title.

Back they went to the same hole and while Hansen was in two bunkers Kaymer hit a massive drive and an even better approach to seven feet. When the two-time European PGA champion three-putted for a bogey six, Kaymer had three for it, but two-putted for birdie.

English trio Paul Casey, John Bickerton and Mark Foster tied for third on 13 under, while Colin Montgoimerie's 16th place was his best stroke play finish since January.

Hansen, who had knee surgery under a month ago and was originally told he could be out for four to six weeks, had been eight behind at the start of the day, but closed with two 67s.

Kaymer dedicated the victory to his seriously ill mother, crying and saying: "This was for you."

He moves up four spots in the Ryder Cup standings with only 10 weeks left and now has a great chance of making his debut in September.

Kaymer, who after his first win said he did not expect to make the Ryder Cup side, added after his second: "I think I have a really good chance now and I'm looking forward to it.

"Six shots is a lot, but it does not feel like that," he said of his final round. "I struggled a little bit and made a big mistake on the 11th. I thought I would make it easy with a five-iron, but got a little loft on the ball.

"I didn't keep my patience, but I will know for next time and I kept fighting."

AFP