Donald takes pride in reaching play-off

Luke Donald had no regrets after losing out to John Daly in a play-off for the Buick Invitational. A birdie on the 72nd hole for a final round of 69 put Donald into the play-off and despite missing a birdie chance in extra time, he graciously acknowledged the applause of the gallery.

"I was proud of the putt on the 18th in regulation," said Donald, whose only win as a professional so far came in a smaller event at the end of the 2002 season. "I knew it had to go in to have any chance. In the play-off, I hit a good putt but it just didn't break.

"This is the third time in four events I've been in contention on the weekend this season. To play well today and give myself a chance to win is a step forward in my career. I hit every shot and putt as I wanted to. There is nothing I'm regretting now."

Donald moved up to 86th on the world rankings but missed out on a place in next week's Accenture World Matchplay. He must break into the top 50 to play in the Masters, and playing in the top events would help his chances of qualifying for the Ryder Cup team from the top five of the world points list, on which he is lying 13th.