Fresh from his victory in Malaysia, Kahlon aggregated 283 (69, 71, 71, 72), one stroke better than the one set last year by the eventual champion Maheswaran from Tamil Nadu.

Kahlon, who had shot into the lead right in the first round, was today given a fright by the defending champion as the two players took the last round to a dramatic finish.

Maheswaran, who ended as the runner-up, maintained pressure on the home nine, scoring birdies on the 12th, 15th and 16th, and reduced Kahlon's lead to just a stroke.

On the final green, Maheswaran hit his second shot to the green, but Kahlon narrowly missed the green on the right.

However, with a superb putt inches from the hole, Kahlon maintained his slender lead to claim the title.

Harmeet Kahlon again finished at the no. one spot in the order of merit for the four successive seasons with victory in the Asia-Pacific, Malaysia and All-India Amateur meets.

The Top 10 Scores:
Kahlon (Chd) 283, N Maheswaran (TN) 284 (68, 74, 74, 68), Amit Luthra (Del) 288, Sheeraj Kalra (Mhow) 290, Amit Dubey (Pune) 291, J Selvraj (TN) 292, Amish Jaitha (Cal) 296, Digvijay Singh (Lucknow) 296, Simmarjeet Singh (Del) 297, Rahil Gangee (Cal) 298.