Jyoti Randhawa, the star attraction of the 1.8 million Kashmir Open 2003, did not disappoint his fans and produced a brilliant bogey-free round of five-under 67 on the final day to win his first title in more than two years.

In the season-opening event of the Hero Honda [ Images ] Indian Golf tour, played at the picturesque par-72 Royal Springs Golf Course here, Randhawa aggregated 13-under 275, one stroke better than Harmeet Kahlon and Arjun Singh [ Images ], who were tied for the second place at 12-under 276.

Pappan, the surprise package of the tournament fought till the very end till a double bogey on the final hole pushed him down to fourth place at 10-under 278. The victory was worth Rs. 2,91,600 for Randhawa while Kahlon and Arjun received Rs. 1,57,500 each.

Defending champion Digvijay Singh [ Images ] finished fifth at 279, while Indian's No. 1 player Mukesh Kumar and Uttam Singh Mundy were tied sixth at eight-under 280.

Promising Sri Lankan Anura Rohana, who started the day at seven-under 209 was troubled by a shoulder pain and had a disastrous round of 79 to finish level-par for the tournament.

It was Randhawa's first win since April 2001 when he won the SRF Open at the Delhi [ Images ] Golf Club.

"This is extremely satisfying and I am happy to break the winless streak. This is the perfect antidote to the disappointment of missing the cut at the British Open. What makes me happy is the way I conducted myself at the course. I was calm and composed through out the 18 holes and did not make mistakes. And on top of it, the win came at my favourite golf course," said a jubilant Randhawa, who leaves for Japan [ Images ] on Sunday night.

Randhawa played a steady round and a birdie on the fourth made him the joint leader. However, it was his favourite par-five seventh hole, which added the zip to his round. A peach of a seven-iron second shot from the rough left him with a three-foot eagle putt, which he converted with ease. Thereafter, he made birdies on the tenth and sank an all-important 25-footer putt for his final birdie on the par-four 15th. At this stage, Arjun Singh was breathing down his neck. He was just one stroke off Randhawa and sitting on a sure shot four-feet birdie putt.

Arjun had a super chance on the par-three 16th but he missed a three-footer for birdie and then drove into the bunker to make a bogey on the 17th, a mistake that let Randhawa run away with the title.

 "I am a little disappointed for missing that birdie on the 16th, but what hurt me more were the two double-bogeys on the eight and ninth holes yesterday. However, considering that I was playing after almost three months, I am happy with  the way I performed," said Arjun, who made five birdies today.

Kahlon was in super form as he made just one bogey and seven birdies in his round of six-under 66. Despite finishing runner-up for the second successive year here, Kahlon was delighted with his performance.

"I am very happy with the way I scored in this tournament. I had an upset stomach on the first day when I made a 74. But thereafter, I have played consistently well. I am improving with every event, and that is more important than winning titles," said the India Cements [ Get Quote ] sponsored pro.

Jammu and Kashmir [ Images ] Chief Minister, Mufti Mohd Sayeed, will give away the prizes after the Navision Pro-Am on Sunday.

RESULTS (After 72 holes): 275_Jyoti Randhawa (67,71,70,67); 276_Harmeet Kahlon (74,66,70,66), Arjun Singh (67,68,73,68); 278_Pappan (68,70,69,71); 279_Digvijay Singh (70,70,67,72); 280_Uttam Singh Mundy (69,70,72,69), Mukesh Kumar (69,69,69,73); 286_Rahil Gangjee (73,68,74,71); 287_Rafiq Ali (75,72,72,68); 288_Anura Rohana (72,71,66,79); 289_Naman Dawar (74,78,68,69).

Amateurs: 291_Girish Virk (73,71,74,73); 292_Keshav Misra (74,77,74,67), Sujan Singh (71,75,76,70)