India’s Gaganjeet Bhullar proved he is a star in the making when he secured his maiden Asian Tour title with an emphatic two-stroke victory at the Indonesia President Invitational yesterday.
The 21-year-old fired a flawless five-under 67 in the final round to make up for the heartbreak of finishing runner-up at the event two years ago.
His four-day total of 22-under 266, which earned him almost US$64,000, was well clear of Australia’s Adam Blyth, who shot a 68 for second place. Thailand’s Thammanoon Srirot finished third on 269 after a 66, while South Korea’s Ted Oh was a stroke further back in fourth place.
“I’ve got no words to describe how happy I am,” said Bhullar, who was pipped by Filipino Juvic Pagunsan’s birdie, eagle finish in 2007. Bhullar, who dropped only one bogey all week, took a one-shot lead into the last round after the third round was completed yesterday morning. He then shot four birdies in his opening six holes and made the turn with a healthy four-shot lead.
He nailed his fifth and final birdie on the par-five 13th hole, before enduring an anxious wait at the clubhouse.
Blyth, playing in the last match, fought gallantly in his attempt for a maiden Asian Tour title, but failed to catch the winner, making a two-putt birdie at the last to secure lone second place.
“Definitely after this victory, many things are going to change in my life. I’m looking forward to it,” said Bhullar, who received his trophy from Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.
Filipino Artemio Murakami and South Korea’s Bang Sang-moon shared fifth place on 272.
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