South Africa's Aiken wins Avantha Masters

GREATER NOIDA, India (AFP) - Thomas Aiken of South Africa led from start to finish on the final day to win the $2.3 million Avantha Masters by three shots in India on Sunday.

Aiken who began the last round with a three-stroke lead, scored a flawless five-under 67 and sealed his second win on the European Tour with a birdie at the 18th hole.

The 29-year-old from Johannesburg finished with an overall score of 23-under 265, three shots ahead of local boy Gaganjeet Bhuller at the Greg Norman-designed par-72 Jaypee Greens outside New Delhi.

Aiken, who won the Open de Espana in 2011, earned 300,000 euros ($393,000) for his efforts that followed compatriot Jbe Kruger's triumph in the Avantha Masters last year.

Bhuller, who was six shots behind Aiken when play began, fired a eight-under 64 to come in at 268, two strokes ahead of third-placed Liang Wenchong of China.

Kiradech Aphibarnrat of Thailand was fourth with 271.

India's richest golf event was co-sanctioned by the European and Asian Tours.

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