Defending champion Rory McIlroy produced a valiant title defence to share sixth, three shots off the pace, as Spaniard Miguel Angel Jimenez wins the Dubai Desert Classic.
Jimenez courageously edged out European number one Lee Westwood at the third play-off hole to take the title following a thrilling see-saw final day at the Emirates Golf Club.
The flamboyant 46-year-old appeared to be out of the title race on the first two play-off holes and saw Westwood miss two championship putts after the pair had topped the leaderboard at 11 under par, a shot clear of Thailand's Thongchai Jaidee.
Jimenez narrowly missed the water at the first extra hole and holed out from 12 feet to keep his bid alive on the second. He then held his nerve from four feet in near darkness at the third time of asking after seeing Westwood miss from inside six feet.
The Spaniard, a two-time runner-up at this event, said: "All week I've been playing strong with a strong mind and with good support from my caddie.
"I have been coming to Dubai for many years and had a few chances to win and now I have it, I feel very pleased and very happy."
Jimenez has now claimed nine of his 16 European Tour titles in his 40s, and is the oldest player to win on the circuit since Mark O'Meara prevailed in Dubai in 2004 at the age of 47.
"Like a good wine, with age, I get better and better," said Jimenez, who last tasted success at the 2008 BMW PGA Championship.
"I feel comfortable on the golf course - that is key. I am not 25 or 30, I have just turned 46 but I'm still healthy and still strong. Not like I was when I was 25, but still strong and I can still play the ball. And if I feel happy and can focus, then you can win."
Asian number one Thongchai (73) was forced to settle for third after missing a two-foot birdie chance at the last, with Abu Dhabi champion Martin Kaymer (70) and Challenge Tour number one Edoardo Molinari (71) fourth at nine under par.
McIlroy closed with a 73 to share sixth alongside Alvaro Quiros (75) after the Spaniard bogeyed the last, finding water when he needed an eagle to earn his place in the play-off.
Gregory Bourdy (68), 2007 champion Henrik Stenson (68) and 60-year-old eight-time major winner Tom Watson (68) completed the top 10 at six under par.
Graeme McDowell carded a 75, Gareth Maybin a 72, and Darren Clarke a 73.
© Press Association