New Zealand's David Smail held his nerve to repel the challenge of American Hunter Mahan by one shot to win the Casio World Open golf tournament in Kaimon, Japan, yesterday.
Waikato's Smail went into the final round with a two-shot lead over Mahan, and a one-under 71 was enough to take the lion's share of the $1.93 million prizemoney with a score of 276.
It was Smail's second win in the event, having also triumphed in 2002.
Smail seized control during a windswept third round at the Ibusuki Golf Club yesterday, shooting five birdies to offset two bogeys for a three-under 69.
Mahan shot a final round 70 to finish second, two shots clear of the chasing pack.
Among those in Smail's wake were Briton Justin Rose, five shots back in ninth place, while Colin Montgomerie was another three shots back on 284.
Golf: Smail holds on to win World Open
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