NEW DELHI, February 26, 2012 (AFP) - India's Anirban Lahiri endured several heart-stopping moments before defeating Thailand's Prom Meesawat at the first play-off hole to win the SAIL-SBI Open on Saturday.
The home favourite admitted he was lucky to pip Prom to the title after ending regulation play with his week's highest score of one-over par 73 at the Delhi Golf Club.
An upset appeared on the cards when Prom overcame a three-shot deficit to take a share of the lead with Lahiri from the 16th hole in regulation play.
The Thai closed with a 70 for a 14-under-par 274 total and headed to the play-off brimming with confidence.
Prom's tee shot at the first play-off hole however found the bushes on the right and he had to take a penalty because of an unplayable lie.
Lahiri hit a good tee shot and managed to reach the green in three. He came within three feet for his birdie putt. Prom then decided to pick up his ball and concede defeat.
"My consolations go out to Scott Barr and Prom as they played brilliantly today and I'm just fortunate that I managed to pull it off," said Lahiri.
"I'm disappointed with the way I hit the ball as I've hit it much better the last three days."
Australia's Barr, who finished third, looked set for a grandstand finish until a disastrous triple-bogey six on the 17th hole put paid to hopes of a maiden win.
Final scores (par 72):
274 - Anirban Lahiri (IND) 65-69-67-73, Prom Meesawat (THA) 72-64-68-70
275 - Scott Barr (AUS) 71-68-65-71
278 - Ben Fox (USA) 70-70-72-66
280 - Siddikur (BAN) 74-67-70-69
281 - Shankar Das (IND) 74-69-70-68, Ashok Kumar (IND) 74-68-69-70, Gaganjeet Bhullar (IND) 68-69-70-74