Ian Poulter, sporting red streaks in his hair to celebrate Arsenal's FA Cup win and to match his Ferrari, drove off with the £250,000 first prize after a three-shot victory in the £1.5million Wales Open.

Poulter survived a late stumble for the second day in succession to card a final round 70 for an 18 under par total of 270 at Celtic Manor.

Jonathan Lomas, Australian Jarrod Moseley and South African Darren Fichardt shared second place on 15 under, Moseley's bogey on the 18th costing him outright second and £55,000.

The fans hoping to see local favourite Phil Price secure a home victory left disappointed after the Ryder Cup hero faded to a closing 74 to finish six shots adrift of playing partner Poulter.

Poulter, battling a bout of tonsillitis all week, was never headed from the moment he equalled the course record with a 65 in the first round, a record subsequently beaten by Moseley's 63 on Saturday.

The winner's cheque lifted the 27-year-old from Milton Keynes from 135th on the Order of Merit to 14th, and maintains his record of winning a tournament every year since 2000, when he was also the tour's rookie of the year.

It also confirmed he had made the right decision in seeking to change his swing under the guidance of coach David Leadbetter, and puts him firmly back among the group of bright English prospects alongside close friend Justin Rose, Paul Casey, Luke Donald and Nick Dougherty.

Hampshire star Rose, who is set to defend the British Masters title he pipped Poulter to, was one of the first to congratulate him.

"I spoke to him all week and he was keeping an eye on me,'' said Poulter. "He's doing a company day here on Monday and it was really nice that he got here a few hours earlier than he needed to to watch the last few holes.

"He was really happy for me and I would be likewise the next time he wins. I'm sure we will have some fun when there's a week off shortly."