Paraguay's Carlos Franco fired a closing round of 66 to win the Compaq Classic in New Orleans by two strokes yesterday.

Franco set a course record of 19-under-par 269, sandwiching first - and final - round 66s around a 69 and 68 to capture the £300,000 first prize and the greatest triumph of his life.

"This is number one in importance for me. It's very important for me and my country," said Franco.

"Everybody says: `Win for Paraguay'. Now maybe when people think of me they will think of my country."

Franco, a groundkeeper's son who turns 34 in two weeks, grew up in poverty and learned to play golf in his bare feet with borrowed clubs and balls retrieved from water hazards.

He has been a star on the Japanese Tour, which boosted his ranking high enough to qualify for his first US Masters last month.

Franco made a stunning Augusta debut with a top-six showing that inspired a parade when he returned to his homeland.

Americans Harrison Frazar, who had a closing 68, and Steve Flesch (70) shared second place at 271.

Frazar kept the pressure on Franco over the final holes but the Paraguayan answered every challenge.

"I got a little bit nervous," said Franco. "Harrison played very well, but this was my week. I'm very happy."

Steve Flesch, who finished second in last year's tournament, led going into the last round.