Jakarta [INDONESIA]: Amir Nazrin Jailani will continue to bid time for his professional breakthrough after an agonising play-off defeat at the Ciputra Golfpreneur Tournament presented by Panasonic on Saturday.

Trailing by five strokes overnight, the Malaysian young gun signed for his best round of the season with a brilliant seven-under 65, thanks to two eagles and three birdies at the BSD Course by Damai Indah Golf.

A closing eagle from 80 metres on the final regulation hole saw Amir total 16-under-par 272 to join eventual winner Miguel Carballo of Argentina (64) and Thai upstart Poom Pattaropong (68) in extra time at the US$110,000 Asian Development Tour (ADT) event.

However, the 21-year-old Amir was eliminated on the first play-off hole after he hit a wayward tee shot into the water hazard which resulted in a par while Carballo and Poom birdied.

The remaining duo then went head to head in what became the longest play-off battle on the ADT since the secondary circuit was inaugurated in 2010 before Carballo prevailed on the seventh time of asking.

Despite the agony of defeat, Amir was counting the positives of a good showing, which propelled him to 13th placing on the ADT Order of Merit.

“Defeats sting for sure but I can only keep knocking on the door. I gave myself a massive chance today but gave it away with one poor shot,” said Amir.

“It nonetheless feels good to get my game back on track this week. This is my best result on the ADT. My course management and my mental game are better, compared to the last few weeks. I hope to continue this good momentum into the upcoming events,” he added.

The only other Malaysian in the field – Arie Irawan – finished in a tie for 12th on 12-under 276.