Jose Coceres held off a late challenge from Davis Love to capture the National Car Rental Classic in Florida yesterday. Coceres fired a closing 68 to finish on 23 under par, just one shot clear of playing partner Love who added a closing 66 to miss out on a play-off.

It is the 38-year-old Argentinian's second victory on the tour this year. He won the Worldcom Classic in April, defeating Billy Mayfair in a play-off for his first tour win.

But he had missed the cut in seven of 18 starts this season and needed to win this week to qualify for the Tour Championship.

On Saturday, Coceres had had eight birdies during his second straight bogey-free round at the Magnolia Golf Club.

He started yesterday three shots clear of Love, the fifth-ranked player in the world, who was also aiming for his second title of the year.

Coceres' life has changed considerably since his April triumph, even though he had failed to finish better than 12th in 13 starts since.

"This is very good for me," said Coceres, who received a two-year exemption for his title.

"Very happy for me, for my friends, for my family, for me the best, because I stay here and play here on this tour, playing the best players in the world."

"Sorry for my English," he said. "Maybe next year (it will be) better."