A seven-over par 77 round saw him finish the medal round event (36-hole) with a gross score of 150 for his second victory here. The 30-year-old was champ here in 1997, but a knee injury prevented his participation last year.

With the arrival of summer and rising temperatures the scores dipped today. But Castellino managed to finish seven strokes clear of second-placed Ratan Bali, who carded an identical round of 77.

``It is one hard-fought event and I am glad to have won it,'' said a profusely sweating Castellino later in the evening. ``I have been putting well. No three-putts even today but no birdies either,'' he noted.

Castellino's only double bogey of the tournament came on the 15th when his tee shot landed in the trees. He could not break free even with his second shot. ``The other guys were not playing greatgolf either so there was no pressure,'' Castellino added. Veteran Ratan Bali finished three strokes better than yesterday thanks to birdies on the fourth and final holes. Rani Goenka-Maheshwari clinched the women's title with a total of 166. Favourite Amit Nigam finished with a card of 79 for a total of 161 and finish fifth among the final standings. But the 16-year-old still bagged the Best junior player's trophy.

Final Scores

After 36 holes: 150- Agnelo Castellino (73, 77); 157- Ratan Bali (80, 77); 158- Dalip Tripathi (76, 82); 160- Nohar Nath (78, 82); 161- Amit Nigam (82, 79), Ajay Patel (77, 84), Capt Kailash Harsh (78, 83), Ashok Goenka (79, 82); 162- Shivas Nath (81, 81), Sharad Divecha (80, 82)

Other winners: Women: 166- Rani Goenka-Maheshwari (81, 85).