Rookie Indian Shiv Kapur played immaculate golf on the back nine in Bangkok on Sunday to emerge winner at the USD 600,000 Volvo Masters while defending champion Jyoti Randhawa finished second.
Kapur's victory also ensured that India did not end the year 2005 winless. With Randhawa coming in second, it provided a rare occasion when Indians finished one-two in a major championship.
Kapur finished his final round with five-under 67 for a total of 20-under 268, two shots clear of Randhawa (270).
The Asian Games gold medallist had rounds of 66-67-68-67, while Randhawa had rounds of 70-64-67-69 for the week.
Randhawa picked up USD 69,000, which carried him past USD 329,835 and took him to the third place in the Order of Merit. Kapur, with earnings of USD 242,101, finished in the fifth place.
"I owe this win to my family, my Dad who has been a great support and my friends, who have believed in me," said a delighted Kapur.
The win also helps Kapur get an entry into WGC-Bridgestone Invitational next year.
"I knew I had it in me to win on Asian Tour. I had come close and I started the season with the aim of keeping my card and once that seemed secure, I was thinking of a win," said Kapur, who picked up the biggest cheque of his career.
More from rediff