Gaganjeet Bhullar of India produced a brilliant course record eight-under 64 to win the season-opening Asian Tour International by one shot yesterday.
Starting the final round six strokes back, Bhullar reinforced his growing reputation as one of Asia’s brightest prospects with a superb come-from-behind victory, the second of his career, at the Suwan Golf and Country Club.
The 21-year-old Indian sank an eagle and six birdies for an unblemished card on the fourth day and edged out South Korea’s Hwang Inn-choon, who signed for a 69 for second place.
PHOTO: AFP/ASIAN TOUR
Japan’s Tetsuji Hiratsuka, runner-up last year, took third place with a 68, while overnight leader Kiradech Aphibarnrat of Thailand carded a 73 to finish tied fourth with Jbe Kruger of South Africa, three behind the winner.
“When I woke up this morning, I just wanted to shoot a good number. I never ever thought I was going to shoot a 64 and win by one. It’s like a dream coming true,” Bhullar said.
Bhullar’s title charge was sparked by an eagle at the par-five second hole, when an eight-iron approach stopped three feet short of the flag.
He nailed four more birdies to turn in 30 and added two more birdies, on 15 and 18, to clinch a memorable triumph with his 11-under 277.
Hwang, who was also chasing his second Asian Tour win, was in the hunt after turning in 33 and overcoming a double-bogey on 11 with birdies on 14 and 15, but an errant drive into the hazard on 17 for bogey left Hwang with the tall order of having to eagle the par-five 18th to force a play-off. He could only birdie.
The burly, 20-year-old Kiradech, who had held at least a share of the lead from the opening round, cut a forlorn figure after staggering home with two birdies, one bogey and a double-bogey as his hopes of a maiden title vanished.
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