Unheralded South Australian Nick Cullen has ended Adam Scott’s run as Australian Masters champion with a thrilling one-shot victory.

Cullen carded a final round three-under-par 69 at Metropolitan GC to win at nine-under 279 and don the Masters gold jacket.

World No.2 Scott was trying for a third successive Australian Masters title but fell agonisingly short and was forced to settle for a three-way share of second place despite shooting a four-under-par 68 final round.

Scott had three birdies on the back nine while another birdie putt that could have brought him level with Cullen on the 18th lipped out.

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Cullen, 30, was third heading into the final round but an eagle at the par-five fourth and back-to-back birdies at 11 and 12 helped him clinch the win before a sensational bunker shot on the 18th ensured the win.

Newcastle’s James Nitties and Victorian Josh Younger were tied with Scott for second.