Argentine golfer Estanislao Goya, 19, became the joint winner of the 77th Republic Open on Sunday, making him the youngest ever winner of the title, at Villa Allende Golf Club, in northern Argentine city Cordoba.

Goya tied with England's Gary Boyd, whom he had defeated on the first hole with a birdie.

"I tackle everything with great calm. I have worked very hard for this and I just want to enjoy it," he told media after being crowned champion. "Luckily, I made the cut for the first time in a major tournament and I will keep working as I do now," he added.

Angel Cabrera, South America's highest ranked golfer who was also hosting the event, came sixth, far behind his the first place he has scored on five occasions, including 2006 and 2007.

Goya, who was born in nearby Alta Gracia, took 72 holes in 272 strokes, 12 under the par for the course. He has only been playing professionally since November last year, when he entered the San Luis Open.

In February he set the course record for the Tour of the Americas qualifier held in United States city Miami.

Sunday's winner receives 32,000 US dollars in prices and a third place Order of Merit in the European Challenge Tour.

England's Heath James took third place with 274 or 10 under par. The Netherlands' Taco Remkes took fourth with 276 or eight under par and fellow Dutchman Inder van Weerelt took fifth with 277 or seven under par.

(Xinhua News Agency March 31, 2008)