World number three Ernie Els fired a flawless seven-under-par 65 to cruise to a 13-stroke victory at the storm-affected Asian Open yesterday.

The South African led from the opening day of the €1.15 million event and completed 72 holes in a tournament-record 26-under-par 262 at Shanghai's Tomson Golf Club. His margin of victory was a Asian Tour record and the second largest in an event sanctioned by the European Tour behind the 15-shot win posted by Tiger Woods at the 2000 US Open.

"I've been around for quite a while and experience has helped me having big leads," said Els, who resumed with an eight-stroke lead after completing six holes in fading light on Sunday. "It's not the easiest thing in the world. Your mind can wander but you can't be afraid. It's a good test of character."

England's Simon Wakefield finished runner-up on 13-under after a closing 73, with Denmark's Thomas Bjorn a further shot back in third following a 72.

Thunderstorms on Sunday morning forced the leading 24 players to complete their final rounds yesterday.

Els's victory was his 21st on the European Tour and 56th international title. The tournament was jointly sanctioned by the European and Asian tours.

It was also his 10th wire-to-wire victory on the European Tour and gave him his third title of the year following wins in Dubai and Qatar.

Els tied for sixth at last week's Johnnie Walker Classic in Beijing and his form in Shanghai vindicated his decision to make adjustments to his swing after finishing a career-worst 47th at last month's US Masters.

"I'm a little surprised it came so fast," said Els, who earned 191,300 for the victory. "But I had a clear vision of what I wanted to do and the changes made it a little easier to focus."

Wakefield's second place was worth 127,000 and virtually secured his European Tour card for next year.