British professional golfer Justin Rose came menacingly close to winning his second major since the US Open triumph in 2013 but was denied a victory by Sergio Garcia, who won his maiden title at the Masters at Augusta on Sunday.Rose maintained pace with Garcia throughout on the greens right from the start of play and held a two-shot lead with only five holes remaining, yet, lost out to his counterpart as he birdied the first extra hole.He failed to capitalise on Garcia’s drawbacks leading to the 17th, having a one-shot lead, however, a bogey on the hole meant the duo were set for a play-off.Rose struggled as he teed off first while the Spaniard played a phenomenal 300 yard hit down the fairway.The Brit tried to overturn his fortunes on shot two, recovering on the fairway but Garcia continued his impressive form with just 12 feet behind the hole as the end.Despite successfully making a stroke about 15 foot to the right in his third shot, Rose astonishingly missed his par putt to the left, leaving Garcia two shots to win the tie.The 37-year-old triumphed over his rival by circling the ball into the hole in his first putt attempt and instantly dropped to his knees to celebrate the win.

Rose's tweet

Rose walked towards the new champion, congratulating him after the sensational duel.

Later, the 36-year-old took to social media, commending Garcia for his performance and said: “Congrats @TheSergioGarcia Incredible battle out there. Sport in the moment can be tough. But it’s just sport. Hope you guys enjoyed it.”

Although, Rose’s coach, Sean Foley is optimistic that the experience would make Rose an even mature player going into the future tournaments.

He said, via Golf Digest: “Nothing but good things to take away from this. The pain is part of it; always has been and always will be. But one over through five and he played the next 11 holes in five under? That’s clutch.”

Rose hails Garcia

The Olympic champion insisted there was no shame in losing to the talented Spanish ace as he hailed him among the elites of the game.

Rose said: “If there’s anyone to lose to, it’s Sergio. He’s had his share of heartbreak.”

Looking ahead, the former US Open winner is hopeful he will be able to challenge for the title in the upcoming years as well.

Speaking to BBC Sport, moments after his defeat, Rose said: “I feel it is a tournament I can still do well in. It's a course you can get to know and be competitive here for a long, long time.”

“I see myself having many more chances to come.

Humble in defeat

The world number 14 has taken this loss in his stride and would have a go at it again while he reiterated his pleasure of seeing Garcia at the top in the tournament, having finished in the top-10 in his last 22 attempts in the majors.

“I felt in control all day. Sometimes the rub of the green is for you and sometimes it isn't," he continued. "I hit a really good putt on 18 in regulation and thought it was going in.

“I am really happy for Sergio. I would love to be wearing the Green Jacket but if it wasn't me I am glad it is him.

“We have been friends for a long time and playing golf against each other since we were 14 years old. We will get up and he will be happy for a month and then golf will take over, I will be unhappy for a month and golf will take over for me.”

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