SSP Chawrasia wins Hero Indian Open for second straight year

Indian star SSP Chawrasia romped to a commanding seven-shot victory to successfully defend his title at the Hero Indian Open 2017 on Sunday.

The 38-year-old Chawrasia, who triumphed by two strokes last season, ground out a final round of one-under-par 71 to seal his sixth Asian Tour victory and fourth European Tour title at the demanding DLF Golf and Country Club's Gary Player course with a winning score of 10-under-par 278.

The victory pushed him up to second place on the Asian Tour's Order of Merit behind American David Lipsky.

Malaysian rookie Gavin Green finished an impressive second after signing off with a 75 and his sterling effort sealed his full playing rights for next season after picking a runner-up position.

Returning to DLF early Sunday to complete the last seven holes of his third round, the straight-shooting Chawrasia opened up a two-shot advantage after 54

holes, thanks to three straight birdies from the 13th to 15th holes.

Throughout the final round, the local hero was never threatened, extending his lead to five through the turn after he bounced back for bogeys on six and seven with birdies on eight and nine.

Another birdie on 13 put daylight between him and the chasing pack and Chawrasia soon strolled home to the "best win" of his career yet in front of his adoring fans.

Scotsman Scott Jamieson (72) and Italian Matteo Manassero (73) shared third place, eight behind the winner, while 2015 Asian Tour number one Anirban Lahiri (71) and Spanish duo Rafa Cabrera Bello (71) and Carlos Pigem (78) finished equal fifth on 287.

After the victory, Chawrasia said, "I feel great as it's one of the toughest courses I've played on and winning by seven shots, I'm really happy. This is probably the best win of my career as it was a really tough course. This week, I made less mistakes and others made more mistakes.

"I'm not comfortable on the course, I'm nervous before every single shot. When I finished the (third) round, I knew I had a few shots lead. I didn't need birdies, just aiming for pars in the final round.

"Honestly, it's very special to win back to back Indian Open titles. I think this is one of the toughest courses I've played in my career. I learned many things and hopefully I can play better in Europe. That's my target next, I have to win in Europe.

"Only after the tee shot on 18, I felt I've won the tournament. I still don't understand the golf course. Hopefully I'll play a few more times on this course then only I will know how to play it better."