US Ryder Cup star Brandt Snedeker clinched the Fiji International title at Natadola Bay today with a clear-cut victory by nine strokes over New Zealander Michael Hendry.
Snedeker began the day with a three-shot lead and never looked like giving the chasing pack a chance as he put together ano-risk round of 68 to follow last year's winner Matt Kuchar.
Hendry was tied for fourth with fellow Kiwi Gareth Paddison as he hit off chasing Snedeker and he held off the challenges of a cluster of young Australians despite struggling with his putter.
"It was a frustrating day as I felt I hit putts on the right line and they just didn't break or they bounced off line. Just one of those days," Hendry said.
"I am extremely happy with how I am playing. My game is there and mentally I am doing everything that needs to be done but just need a week where the putts drop.
"(Snedeker) is one of the best plyers in the world for a reason. He doesn't make too many mistakes and he obviously putted pretty well this week to make as many birdies as he has.
"Good players they get the job done."
Brad Shilton also had a tournament to remember with a final round of 69 to finish tied for third, a shot back from Hendry.
He had four birdies on his outward nine, before a double bogey and bogey slowed his momentum before he eagled the par-five 17th to go to six-under.
Tauranga's Josh Geary finished tied for 12th at four-under par after a round of 69 to hopefully secure his card for the Australasian tour next year and help skip some stages for Q School in Japan and Europe.
But it was a day to forget for Paddison, who missed a small putt on the first for birdie and three more in the first six holes to start a slide down the leaderboard that saw him sign for a 78 and finish in 24th equal.
Mark Brown (Tauranga) finished back in 47th equal on three-over.
* Peter White travelled to Fiji courtesy of Fiji Airways
