FINAL LEADERBOARD US unless stated -11 V Singh (Fij) -10 E Els (SA) -9 C Howell, S Mauryama (Jpn) -8 S Cink, B Quigley -7 T Armour, A Magee Others: -5 L Donald (Eng) -3 J Rose (Eng) +3 G Owen (Eng), R Goosen (SA)

The Fijian fired a closing 65 to reach 11 under and edge out two-time defending champion Ernie Els, despite a course-record equalling 62.

The South African world number three was second on 10 under with Charles Howell and Shigeki Maruyama one back.

England's Luke Donald ended with a 74 for five under, while countryman Justin Rose slipped to three under after a 72.

Singh was four shots behind overnight leader Maruyama but picked up five birdies as the Japanese slipped to a one-over 71 for nine under.

"I'm glad," said Singh, 41, who dominated last season with nine wins and more than $10m (�5.3m) in prize money.

"I've prepared for this pretty well. I've always come close over here and never really won it so it's a good start to the season."

Next week's field is strong so I am looking forward to the challenge Vijay Singh

Els began the day in a tie for 23rd, eight shots off the pace but went out in 32 and scorched home in 30 with a birdie, birdie, eagle finish.

"It would have been great to come from eight behind and make a play-off but I don't think that will happen too often, guys coming from so far behind and winning," said Els.

"A guy with that talent isn't going away soon. He (Singh) is at the top of his game, you can't think of him faltering.

"You try to finish the golf tournament the best you can. I really wanted to get the best score I could to get some confidence for next week."

Rose, one shot off the lead at the halfway stage, finished eight shots adrift in a tie for 20th place after a second successive two-over-par 72.

England's Greg Owen, sixth at the recent US Tour School, finished on three over.

The US Tour's "West Coast Swing" moves to California for the Buick Invitational next week.

"Next week's field is strong so I am looking forward to the challenge," Singh said.