SSP Chawrasia claimed victory in the Hero Indian Open. Picture by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images

Delhi, India: SSP Chawrasia birdied the last hole for a one-under-par 71 to claim a popular two-shot victory over Anirban Lahiri and Wang Jeung-hun at the US$1.66 million Hero Indian Open.

Chawrasia, a runner-up in the tournament on four occasions, was delighted to hold on to his overnight lead and cross the finishing line with a winning total of 15-under 273 in the event sanctioned by the Asian Tour and European Tour.

Lahiri, the reigning Asian Tour number one, missed a birdie attempt on the last for a 69 to settle for tied second place alongside rising Korean star Wang who returned with a battling 68 at Delhi Golf Club.

“It is a very important day for me. I have finished second four times in the Indian Open and every time that happened to me I wondered if I would ever be able to one day be the champion. This year, I came believing I had to win. I knew that I could do it,” said Chawrasia, who won US$276,660.

It was a close and dramatic battle in the final 18 holes as numerous players came within striking distance of Chawrasia’s lead when he was one-over after 12 holes.

He rallied with a birdie on 13 and produced a sublime chip on the last hole to set-up his winning three-foot birdie putt. 

“There was a lot of pressure on me on the last hole. I played a great chip there and then when he [Lahiri] missed I knew I would win the tournament.

“This win means so much to me. I don’t know how I will celebrate it. I will let my wife do that for me. Last year when I lost, she was crying so now we can both enjoy this victory together,” said Chawrasia, who won his fourth Asian Tour title.

Lahiri piled the early pressure on Chawrasia when he birdied his opening three holes but struggled to keep pace.

“It was pretty intense. I got off to a great start but lost a bit of momentum after that. I gave myself a lot of chances but missed quite few from 15-20 feet. But at the end of day, SSP hung tough and played very well,” he said.

“There is nothing sweeter than being the Indian Open champion. It was a disappointing finish after a promising start for me. But I am so happy for SSP. This win is huge for him,” added Lahiri.

Wang came close to winning his first Asian Tour title before settling for second best after producing a bogey-free 68 highlighted by four birdies.

“I gave my best out there. I’m very proud with how I played. I had a chance to win but it is okay because Chawrasia played very well. I’m happy with my performance and I hope to continue to do well. One day, my win will come,” said the 20-year-old Wang.