Rose wilts in California

Justin Rose's wait for a first win in America goes on, after his birdie attempt slipped by the 90th and final hole at the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic, and allowed home hope Charley Hoffman to break his tour duck instead, after a

play-off against his compatriot John Rollins.

Long-time leader Rose - five clear during the fourth round and three ahead

early on the last day in California - still shared top spot with one to play.

Read more:

• Rose shares lead

• Rose on course for maiden win

• Sign up to our email sports round-up

But while the 26-year-old, winner of the Australian Masters in his last start

of 2006, could only par the 564-yard 18th at the Country Club, Hoffman - in the

group ahead - made eagle, and fellow American Rollins then birdied to force the

play-off.

Rose, who managed only a four-over-par 76 in the difficult conditions, had to settle for third place - and his 17th top-10 finish on the US Tour. Rose admitted he found his round a struggle in the windy Californian weather.

"I think the wind was playing us today," he said.

"I think it was a bit of a shame, really, because it was survival more than anything. I don't think there was much great golf being played out there."

Rollins for one nonetheless thought for a long time the Englishman would stay out in front - while Hoffman surprised himself by coming out on top. "I definitely feel like the survivor," he said. I didn't think I had a chance - but somehow I got it done."

Rollins added: "I really wasn't thinking about winning. I figured this was a warm-up for the year. I thought Justin was going to run

away with it."

Jeff Quinney and Heath Slocum shared fourth - the former after a dramatic

hole-in-one on the 17th had brought him only one behind.

There was no last-day charge from Masters champion Phil Mickelson. In his

first tournament since the Ryder Cup last September, he slumped to a 78 and

finished only 45th. Ian Poulter matched Rose's 76 to be tied for 60th.

Hoffman prevailed when he made a birdie in the play-off to defeat Rollins - on

the same hole where he had made his 11-foot eagle putt in regulation.

Rollins got into the play-off by two-putting from 25 feet on his final hole,

but his drive in the play-off went right into the fairway bunker. Hoffman, who earned $900,000 for his victory, and Rollins both finished on 17-under 343.