Kolkata's S P Chowrasia claimed the glittering Hindu Trophy two strokes ahead of defending champion Ashok Kumar in the third leg of the Amby Valley PGA Indian golf tour in Chennai on Saturday.

"Winning the Hindu Open is always very special for me. Starting from 1986, this is the oldest and most historic event in Southern India and makes it all the more exceptional," said Chowrasia, who also collected a cash prize of Rs.1.58 lakh from N Murali, Joint Managing Director of The Hindu.

Ashok Kumar, who was tied with Chowrasia for the honours yesterday, had only himself to blame as his wayward tee shot resulted in a disappointing day. Chowrasia capitalised with a birdie to lead by one stroke when Ashok Kumar bogeyed the short par-3 fourth hole.

With just a stroke separating them at the end of the 16th, Chowrasia increased the lead to two strokes for a four round tally of 269, while Ashok Kumar, who dropped a stroke on the 17th finished second with a total of 271.

L Selvadurai of ONGC won the Amateurs title with an aggregate of 294.