MELBOURNE (AFP) - World No. 2 and defending champion Adam Scott won the Australian Masters at Royal Melbourne on Sunday for back-to-back tournament victories.

The US Masters champion held off American golfer Matt Kuchar by two shots to continue his red-hot form after claiming last week's Australian PGA event on the Gold Coast.

Australia's Scott carded a closing round of even-par 71 to finish the tournament on 14-under 270.

Kuchar was tied with Scott up to the 17th hole but a double-bogey at the last cost him his winning chance with the Australian parring the final three holes to close out the win as Kuchar closed on 68.

Fiji's former world No. 1 Vijay Singh finished third on 10-under after an even-par 71.

Scott will partner Jason Day in Australia's team for this week's World Cup at Royal Melbourne.