Shiv Shankar Prasad Chowrasia made a brilliant charge on the final day with a six-under 64 on the combined Beldih and Golmuri courses to annex the Rs 20 lakh Tata Open golf for the third time in four years.
The 2003 and 2005 champion had to miss out on the 2004 edition due to an injury, but he made up on Friday with a display that marked him out as the man to watch out in Indian golf.
Chowrasia blazed the course despite the early morning rain, which delayed play by 90 minutes. He had earlier shot a 72 on par-72 Beldih in second round.
Chowrasia's final day 64, which included eighth birdies and two bogeys gave him a tournament total of 15-under and he was a clear winner by four shots over overnight leader Naman Dawar (70) and Vivek Bhandari (68).
Chowrasia picked up a cheque of Rs 3,24,000, a fine reward and a good continuation after second place at the Indian Open and third place at Bilt Open.
Harinder Gupta and Ali Sher, who were also in the hunt fell back. Gupta shot a two-over 72 and ended fourth at seven-under, while Ali Sher (73) was tied fifth with Digvijay Singh (71).
"I have been coming close to a title a few times in recent weeks. So it finally feels good to win. Also, the Tata Open is surely my favourite tournament, as I have now won it three times," said a beaming Chowrasia, who leaves on Saturday night for Hong Kong to play in the US $2 million UBS Hong Kong Open.
"I am looking forward to that event, as it will be my biggest ever event and I know I can do well. If that happens, I can also fight for the Rookie of The year award," added Chowrasia, whose four rounds were 72, 64, 67 and 64.
Chowrasia had birdies on the second, sixth, seventh, 11th, 12th, 14th, 16 th and 18th holes. He dropped shots on the 10th and 13th. By the time he came to the closing stages of the round, he was a clear winner and had no pressure.
"I was surprised how easily I won. Things fell in place for me today," said Chowrasia.
"The greens were fantastic at Beldih," said Chowrasia.
Bhushan Raina, Golf captain of Jamshedpur, gave away the prizes. He praised Chowrasia's game as also the others who put in a great performance this week.
Dawar was once again left stranded close to the title. The 26-year-old Delhi Golf Club player was struggling with his form. But he did well to hang on to second place with an even par 70. Also tied in second place was Bhandari at 11-under.
Rahil Gangjee (71), Rafick Ali Mollah (71) and S Madaiah (70) were seventh, eighth and ninth. Rahul ganapathy, P Gaurav Singh, Anura Rohanna and Uttam Singh Mundy shared tenth place.
Dawar, who held a two-shot lead after three rounds had to content with what was his best career-finish.
"Things did not work out today for me," said Dawar.
