Luiten shines in win at Iskander

Dutchman Joost Luiten claimed a maiden European Tour title with a one-shot victory from Daniel Chopra at the Iskandar Johor Open.

Trailing overnight leader Chopra by four shots at the start of the day, Luiten compiled a six-under-par 65 to fend off the Swede and finish 15 under par.

After the tournament had been reduced to 54 holes due to Saturday’s rain at Horizon Hills Golf and Country Club, Chopra could only produce a final round of 70 and needed a birdie at the last to ensure he finished alone in second on 14 under.

Padraig Harrington, James Morrison and Rhys Davies ended in a tie for third on 13 under. Harrington and Morrison both signed for closing 69s while Davies carded an impressive 65 to climb the leaderboard.

Luiten began his final round with ground to make up on Chopra but five birdies over his opening nine holes saw the 25-year-old soon move to the top of the leaderboard. Another birdie came at the 11th before a string of pars saw him close out a superb final round and edge out Chopra to lift the trophy. The win also confirmed Luiten’s place at the season-ending Dubai World Championship.

“It’s been an awesome week. To be first in, it’s unbelievable. I don’t believe it yet,” said Luiten. “At the end I was a bit nervous but my caddie said, when we had four holes to play, ‘the only guy you’re going to lose to is yourself’ and I think he was right.”

Ross Fisher finished eight under thanks to a closing 65 while Colin Montgomerie’s 66 saw the former Ryder Cup captain tied for 23rd on seven under.