SSP Chawrasia finally gets over the line to win Indian Open

SSP Chawrasia finally won the Hero Indian Open on Sunday following four runner-up finishes in his national title.

The 37-year-old had come so close to winning this tournament last year when he lost a play-off to Anirban Lahiri, but this year Chawrasia would not be denied as he held off the reigning champion to the crowd's delight.

It was Chawrasia’s third European Tour title, all of which have come in India, and he made it a hat-trick of triumphs in his home country by securing a two-shot victory over both Lahiri and Jeunghun Wang.

“I was a four-time runner-up in this event and I was thinking for a very long time, I have to win this tournament,” he told Sky Sports. “That’s my dream and I got it.”

It was not all plain sailing for Chawrasia, who once again had to rely on his recovery shots and fine short game to dig him out of holes.

He had frittered away a seven-shot advantage over Lahiri to lose this championship last year and the nerves appeared to have gripped him again when he pushed his third shot on the par-five 18th into the rough down the left.

However, even with a tree obscuring his view to the green, he landed his approach within four feet to earn the applause of the crowd and compatriot Lahiri.

Lahiri could only manage a par himself and Chawrasia rolled in his birdie putt to sign for a one-under 71 that ensured he finally won a tournament he has come so close to triumphing at in the past.

“I saved lots of shots this week and it obviously helped me a lot because I made lots of tough up-and-downs,” he added. “It was key to come back.”

Ireland's Paul Dunne slipped down the leaderboard on the final day after a six-over 78 saw him finish in a share of 58th position on one over.