Englishman Richard Finch claimed his first European Tour title today with victory at the New Zealand Open.

Finch, from Hull, who was ahead by three shots going into the final round at The Hills Golf Club in Queenstown, held the same advantage at the end having led by six at one stage.

Birdies at the first, third and eighth opened up that gap but three bogeys on the back nine gave his pursuers hope. However, a 12-foot par putt on the 18th for a level-par round of 72 proved enough.

His course record 65 in the second round on Friday put him in contention and Finch, who only secured his European Tour card in the final event of the 2007 season in Mallorca a few weeks ago, now has his maiden tour title to celebrate.

Finch finished on 14 under par, with Australians Steven Bowditch and Paul Sheehan tied for second on 11 under.

Two more Aussies, Steven Jeffress and Matthew Millar were in a three-way tie for fourth with Sweden's Alexander Noren.

England's Oliver Fisher finished in a tie for ninth while Robert Dinwiddie was 11th.