The cream finally rose to the top as world number one Vijay Singh rallied for a one-stroke victory over South Africa's Ernie Els at the Sony Open in Hawaii.
Singh started the final round four shots behind overnight leader Shigeki Maruyama, but made three straight birdies midway through the round and clinched the victory with another birdie at the par-five 18th.
England's Justin Rose, one shot off the lead at the halfway stage, finished eight shots adrift in a tie for 20th place after a second successive two-over-par 72.
Singh made light of another testing breeze at Waialae Country Club to shoot a five-under-par 65 and clinch his 25th career victory on the PGA Tour, including his 10th in the past 12 months. He completed 72 holes at 11-under 269.
Els, who closed with a 62, finished one shot ahead of Maruyama (71) and Charles Howell (67).
Maruyama was urged on by a huge gallery of his Japanese compatriots, but could not get the job done, playing the last eight holes in two over.
Els left town in a positive frame of mind after playing the final three holes in four under. He birdied the 16th and 17th holes before rolling in an 18-foot eagle at number 18.
"This is a great start to the season," Singh said. "I am glad I
prepared well."
