Stuart Appleby wins Australian Masters

Melbourne : Australian golfer Stuart Appleby has won the Australian Masters by one shot with the help of a near flawless final-round charge at Melbourne`s Victoria Golf Club on Sunday.

Appleby had started the day seven shots behind overnight leader Adam Bland. However, the 39-year-old shot six-under-par final round 65 to finish 10-under par total of 274, while Bland faltered with five bogeys and three birdies to shoot 73 to finish at nine-under par total of 275 . It was Appleby`s first win on home soil since the 2001 Australian Open, but came only three months after his last US PGA Tour win. Australian Daniel Gaunt was third at eight-under par total of 276. Defending champion Tiger Woods also shot a final-round 65 to finish fourth, and end a calendar year without a victory for the first time in his career.Woods, who began the final round 10 shots off the lead, finished with a seven-under-par total of 277. It is his best finish since returning to golf in April after his self-imposed exile following the exposure of his multiple extra-marital affairs. ANI