Chopra holds nerve to start year with win

Daniel Chopra survived some tense moments before tapping in a birdie on the fourth...

Daniel Chopra survived some tense moments before tapping in a birdie on the fourth playoff hole to lift his second PGA Tour title at the Mercedes-Benz Championship here.

Chopra could have pocketed the title much earlier but messed up birdie putts twice on the 18th hole to allow American Steve Stricker join him at a 72-hole total of 18-under 274.

Chopra’s final round was an impressive seven-under 66, while Stricker fired a sizzling 64.

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The Swede became richer by $1.1 million and also took home a Mercedes-Benz sports car. The win in the season-opener also earned him a trip to the US Masters at Augusta.

“I get to go to Augusta, my life-long dream,” an elated Chopra, who honed his skills at the Delhi Golf Club, said.

Chopra was determined to seal the title in regulation when a birdie hat-trick opened up a three-shot lead with five holes to go before Stricker made a late charge.

Chopra sunk in four birdies on his front nine and made three on the trot on his way back in a blemish-free round.

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A 12-foot birdie putt on the 18th in regulation would have handed him the title but the ball stopped an inch short, allowing Stricker to catch up.