Mikael Lundberg claimed victory at the Cadillac Russian Open after winning a play-off against Andrew Butterfield.

There was a huge consolation for the second-placed Englishman however, as he won enough money to return to the European Tour next season.

The event at the Le Meridien Moscow Country Club is co-sanctioned between the main and Challenge Tours - although it will be elevated to the elite schedule next year - but as one of the richer prizes for second-tier players, it provides a huge incentive.

Butterfield, from Bromley, certainly saw the opportunity on the back nine of his final round as he carded an eagle and four birdies to put him in the clubhouse lead at 15-under after a six-under round of 66.

Third-round leader Lundberg had been sitting pretty at 16-under but a bogey at the 399-yard 14th dropped him back and then recovered superbly from sand at the 18th, only to miss a five-foot birdie chance which would have given him victory.

He finished with a 69 and the duo went back down the 18th - three times, in fact, as they both went par-bogey-par - before the action switched to the par-five 17th.

Butterfield left himself an impossible chip with his third after finding the rough on the short left side and finished the full width of the green away from the flag.

Lundberg rolled his long eagle putt to within 18 inches and when Butterfield could not hole his 30-foot birdie attempt, the Swede tapped in to earn a European Tour exemption until the end of 2006.

"This is so special, it is a dream come true," said the man from Helsingborg. "I came out today and tried to stick to my game plan and I did and it felt good. I played pretty safe, especially after 12 holes when I had a couple of shots lead.

"Andrew played some great golf on the back nine and caught up with me. I could have gone for the green in two on 15 and 17 [both par fives] but it was risky and I decided to play safe as I couldn't afford to take any chances."

Butterfield, who picked up a cheque for £31,299, had mixed emotions after going so close to his first victory.

"I was a little bit disappointed because I played well. Play-offs are a fickle thing. I wish I had hit a better chip on 17 but I did all I could and at the end Mikael won it with a birdie. I can't be disappointed with losing in that manner," he said.

"Suddenly, I started holing putts on the back nine for some reason. I'm delighted with the way I played on the back nine when it really mattered to get myself back into contention and give myself a chance to win."

Scotland's David Drysdale finished joint third with Australian Jarrod Moseley after a round of 67.

Tom Whitehouse finished eight shots adrift of the winners but restored some pride after the ruinous 75 on Friday by finishing 69, 71.

The only other Midlander to make the cut, Mark Mouland finished well down the field after shooting 71 and 75 in his final two rounds.