Mukesh Kumar successfully defended his title, winning the Hyundai Open golf tournament at the Madras Gymkhana Golf Course at Chennai on Saturday.

The Mhow professional also scored his first win in the current season of the Hero Honda Indian golf tour when he tallied a nine under par 271 for four rounds.

He received a cash award of Rs 113,400 for his top-place finish.

Mukesh Kumar, who went into the final round with a seven stroke cushion, dropped a shot to card one over 71. But for the lead of seven strokes, it would have been tough for him as Rafiq Ali closed in with a two under par 68 to grab the runners up honour with a score of 275. He received a cash prize of Rss 78,500.

Kolkata's Uttam Singh Mundy was third with 276 followed by Delhi golfers Pappan (278) and Ajay Gupta (279). Incidentally, Mundy submitted the best card for the final day with a four under 66. The Amateur title went to ONGC's L Selvadurai (291) and S Jayanan (Chennai-309) was placed second.

Rafiq started with a bogey but managed to regain his form soon after. He sunk a 12-footer on the 16th hole to go four strokes ahead of Ajay Gupta but parred his way to the finish.

The players will now gear up for the Hindu Open beginning at Chennai next week.