Rose left to rue final putt

Last updated: 21st January 2013

Justin Rose was left wondering what might have been after he just missed out on forcing a play-off at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on Sunday.

Having led the three previous rounds, the world number five closed with a disappointing 71 in a round that included three birdies and bogeys at the 11th and 17th.

However, he had a chance to force a play-off with eventual winner Jamie Donaldson on the final green at the par-five 18th. However, his putt from 12 feet hit the cup and stayed out.

Rose was forced to settle for second place alongside Thorbjorn Olesen.

"It was definitely hard work today," he said.

"For some reason it was hard to see the breaks on the front nine, but I pulled it together really well and felt I got into a really good competitive mode.

"When I birdied 14 I didn't realise Jamie had had a hot round. I had actually expected to be one ahead at that point and I was one behind, so every credit to Jamie.

"I didn't do a lot wrong. It's hard to beat yourself up about it.

"I felt like I brought my best stuff on the back nine rather than the front nine, so that's encouraging.

"I don't think I need to do anything different - just need to keep chipping away and keep swinging well.

"But was a long, hard week to end up finishing second."

As for his missed putt on the final green, Rose admitted it brought back memories of the Ryder Cup in September.

"It was a shame that one didn't go in because I really thought I hit the perfect putt.

"It reminded me of the putt at 18 against Phil Mickelson. The line was just outside the right edge and that's exactly where I hit it but unfortunately this time the putt wouldn't go in.

"Would I swap it? No, I wouldn't," he said, referring to Europe's amazing come from behind victory at Medinah.