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The Staplecross-based 18-year-old, a member of Rye and Sedlescombe Golf Clubs, took the under-21 category after following a first round course record 65 with a solid 69.

"It was brilliant. I'm so happy to win. This is my first tournament of the year so for me to do so well at the start of the season far outweighed my expectations," he said.

Ben's combined two round score of 134 (6 under par) included 10 birdies and an eagle over two days. On the first day, he started in sensational style by eagling the par five 1st and, using his six iron, played a superb shot which landed just four feet from the pin. "That was probably the shot of the tournament for me," said the +3 handicapper.

Father Glyn was delighted with the victory, describing it as the best result of Ben's young career. "There is absolutely no doubt about it," he said.

Ben, who qualified for the trophy by winning the under-18 Series final last September, also had the distinction of playing with Nick Faldo in a pro-am the day after the competition and has been selected to join Team Faldo, a group of seven talented golfers who receive special treatment from the man himself. One of the first sessions will take place next month in Palm Springs, California.

Faldo, who was present throughout the competition, said: "Ben looks very solid. He is on line at the top of his backswing and he has a nice high trajectory on all his shots."

Leading scorers: Ben Evans 65+69=134, Sandu Ajeetesh (India) 72+71=143, Oliver Fisher (England) 68+75=143, Michael Eric Bibat (Philippines) 71+73=144, Aaron O'Callaghan (Ireland) 74+72=146, Thomas Sherreard (England) 75+71=146, Rory McIIroy (Ireland) 71+75=146, Bin Abu Hassan Anis Helmi (Malaysia) 76+71=147, Nicolas Meitinger (Germany) 73+74=147, Louis Moolman (South Africa) 72+75=147.