KEVIN Spurgeon's valiant attempt to upstage two of Britain's golfing greats fell agonisingly short at Woburn on Sunday.

The 50-year-old Dudsbury touring professional was pipped at the post in the Bovis Lend Lease European Seniors Masters by former Ryder Cup captains Mark James and Sam Torrance.

Spurgeon, who began the final round with a three-stroke lead following scores of 67 and 68, carded a 73 to finish on eight under par - one shot behind Torrance (68, 72, 67) and James (70, 71, 66).

James went on to beat Torrance at the first extra hole with a birdie in a play-off.

And Spurgeon was left to rue two missed chances to join his illustrious opponents in the sudden-death shake-up.

"I had an eye on the leader board and knew that one more birdie would give me a share of the lead," said Spurgeon.

"I had a six-foot putt on the 17th followed by an eight-foot putt at the last, but unfortunately missed both of them."

Spurgeon, however, remain-ed upbeat despite missing out on his maiden victory.

"To finish third behind two great players is no mean achievement and I'm delighted with the way I handled the pressure. I now have the confidence to go on and win my first event."

Spurgeon secured his biggest pay day as a professional with a cheque for approximately £15,000 and is now the leading rookie on the European Seniors Tour.

He also booked his place in the Scandinavian Senior Open in Denmark on Friday as the leading non-exempt player.