Sun City, South Africa (Sports Network) - Robert Allenby parred the third playoff hole Sunday to defeat 2008 winner Henrik Stenson and capture the Nedbank Golf Challenge.

Allenby bogeyed the final hole on Sunday to shoot a one-under 71. Stenson, who cruised to a nine-shot victory one year ago, but also bogeyed the 18th Sunday, posted a three-under 69. The pair finished regulation at 11-under 277 and were off to the 18th tee at The Gary Player Country Club.

At the first playoff hole, both hit the fairway, but Stenson hit the left side of the green while Allenby missed the putting surface. Stenson two-putted for an easy par, but Allenby chipped to five feet and had to make the putt to extend the extra session. He did so and it was back to No. 18.

Neither golfer hit the short grass the second time, but each hit it to similar spots as the first playoff hole. Stenson once again had a routine two-putt par, but Allenby elected to putt this time and had another shaky five-footer to extend the playoff. The Australian was up to the task and it was back to the 18th tee for a third time in the playoff.

Both players hit the fairway the third time, but Stenson pushed his approach right near the grandstand. Allenby put the pressure on with a second shot that stopped five feet from the stick.

Stenson got a free drop, but still had a tough lie and could do no better than knocking it 30 feet past the hole. He wasn't able to hole the par putt and Allenby two-putted for the par and the win.

"I'm glad that's over," said Allenby. "After bogeying the 72nd I knew I had a second chance with the playoff, and my record in playoffs is pretty good. I did think we were going to be here all night at one stage, but once I saw Henrik hit it out right I knew he had a difficult shot.

"The only thing in my mind then was hitting my six-iron straight at the pin, and I hit it absolutely perfectly."

Tim Clark (69) and Ross Fisher (70) shared third place at 10-under 278.

Third-round leader Retief Goosen struggled with four bogeys and a birdie on Sunday. The two-time U.S. Open champion shot a three-over 75 and fell into fifth place at nine-under 279.

Masters winner Angel Cabrera also had a 75 on Sunday and took sixth at minus- seven. Nick Watney, who matched the course record with a 63 on Saturday, shot a one-over 73 and came in seventh at six-under 282.

Luke Donald (72) took eighth at minus-five, which was one better than Robert Karlsson, who carded a one-under 71 on Sunday. Hunter Mahan (73) was 10th at minus-two and Richard Sterne (75) took 11th at four-over 292.

Rory McIlroy withdrew on Saturday with a stomach illness.