Chopra celebrates first PGA Tour win

Sweden’s Daniel Chopra secured his maiden PGA Tour victory after a late birdie saw off the challenge of compatriot Fredrik Jacobson and Japan’s Shigeki Maruyama at the £2.2m (€1.5m) Ginn sur Mer Classic.

The 33-year-old returned to the Tesoro course in a three-way share of the lead on 18 under after darkness forced the postponement of yesterday’s final round with just a few holes to play.

Chopra had three to play and his rivals two and knew he probably needed a birdie to take the title and prevent a play-off.

And his nerves were settled almost immediately as a birdie four at the 502-yard 16th edged him ahead.

Jacobson and Maruyama could only par their remaining two holes and Chopra avoided any calamity to secure his first win in 133 starts on the US tour.

Chopra’s final-round 71 was the worst of the challengers, but just enough for victory.

Jacobson, whose previous best finish of the season was joint fifth at the Memorial in June, carded a four-under 69 to be tied second with Maruyama, who also registered a 69, with the Japanese securing his playing privileges for next season after moving up to 103 on the money list.