Rising star Joost Luiten won his first European Tour event when he overcame a four-shot deficit with a sizzling six-under 65 to win the weather-shortened US$2 million Iskandar Johor Open at the Horizon Golf & Country Club in Johor Baru yesterday.
The Dutchman maintained his recent run of good form to defeat Daniel Chopra of Sweden by one shot to win the event that was reduced to 54 holes due to adverse weather over the last three days.
Chopra narrowly missed a 20-foot eagle putt on the last hole to force a play-off and instead settled for second with a final round 70.
Luiten is only the fourth Dutch golfer to win on the European Tour following Robert-Jan Derksen, Maarten Lafeber and Rolf Muntz to pocket US$333,330 (RM1.05 million). Chopra settled US$222,220.
Former Asian Tour member Rhys Davies of Wales, title holder Padraig Harrington of Ireland and James Morrison of England finished tied third, cheap golf clubs two shots behind the champion.
Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand, a three-time Asian Tour No 1, Charlie Wi of Korea, india's Shiv Kapur and Bangladeshi Siddikur ended their campaigns as the top Asians in tied 15th place.
Luiten, who has six top-10s this year, highlighted his round with a birdie hat-trick from the second hole before adding another on 11 to seal his first European Tour title.
Playing on the second last flight, Luiten had an agonising wait and breathed a sigh of relief when Chopra missed his eagle putt on the last which would have forced a play-off.
"Well it is always tough to get your first tour win and you'll always believe that you'll get a good one. I've come close for a few times. I'm really relieved to finally win one and am looking for the next one," said the 25-year-old, who had a winning total of 15-under 198.
Chopra, who held a two-shot lead after play was suspended on Saturday, was disappointed not to recapture the title he won in 1993.
His title hopes looked to have faded after a double bogey on seven but the two-time PGA Tour winner battled back with three birdies in his closing six holes to finish lone second.
"I was very disappointed because I hit the ball really nicely (the double bogey). It was really the only bad shot I made all day. I had a bad break there but I knew there was a long way to go and if I could get some birdies, I would still have a chance to win. I just tried to stay patient," said Chopra, who grew up in India.

More cheap golf equipment:
TaylorMade Tour Preferred CB Irons