Paul Lawrie’s bid to end his seven-year wait for a European Tour title fell short at the Mercedes Masters in Cologne as South African James Kingston secured his first win of the season.

The 1999 Open champion started the final round three off the lead but his challenge drifted as he carded a bogey-strewn round of 76 to finish well off the pace.

But it was a better day for David Drysdale after his 69 helped him claim a share of eighth place and moved him up to 49th on the Race to Dubai list.

He fired five bogies but a double-bogey at the eighth ruined his charge up the leaderboard and he admitted he was glad to see the back of that hole.

“The eighth has been a real problem for me for the entire week for some reason,” said Drysdale.

“I’ve played solidly throughout the week although I hit a few ropey shots towards the finish.”