MONTREAL • Venezuela's Jhonattan Vegas started fast and finished strong to seize a one-shot victory in the Canadian Open at the Glen Abbey Golf Club near Toronto.

Vegas' eight-under 64 included plenty of fireworks, starting with five straight birdies from the second through to the sixth holes.

He capped his round with a burst of three straight birdies, carding nine overall with one bogey for a 12-under total of 276.

"I knew I had to get off to a fast start," said Vegas, who was five off the pace when play began.

"I know that I was in striking distance, but I had to get myself close to the lead early so the guys kind of knew I was there.

"So I just kept pushing and kept firing at pins and kept really going right after it. I got a really good momentum, and obviously I was able to close it out with some birdies."

Dustin Johnson, a co-leader after each of the first two rounds, was tied for second heading into Sunday. The American shot a final-round 69 and finished in a three-way tie for second on 277.

He was joined by Spain's Jon Rahm, who closed with a bogey-free 67 that included a birdie on the final hole, and Scotland's Martin Laird, who also signed for a 67.

Overnight leader Brandt Snedeker fired a one-under 71 that left him in a group on 278 alongside fellow Americans Ricky Barnes (68) and Steve Wheatcroft (69) and Germany's Alex Cejka (69).

World No. 1 and defending champion Jason Day of Australia closed with a 67 to finish tied for 14th on 281.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE