Golf: Chopra claims opening win

Swedish golfer Daniel Chopra held his nerve to beat American Steve Stricker in a play-off for the PGA Tour's season-opening Mercedes-Benz Championship yesterday.

Chopra birdied the fourth extra hole at Kapalua Resort's Plantation Course to earn the winner's cheque for US$1.1 million ($1.45 million) and his second PGA Tour title. Both players missed birdie opportunities from about 2m at the first play-off hole before Chopra sealed victory with a two-putt birdie at the par-five ninth, his eagle attempt having come to rest on the edge of the cup.

The pair had completed the 72 regulation holes on 18-under-par 274, Chopra carding a 66 and Stricker finishing birdie-birdie-par-birdie for a 64.