Anirban Lahiri of India prevailed in yet another playoff at the Delhi Golf Club (DGC) to retain his SAIL-SBI Open title yesterday.
Lahiri birdied his last regulation hole from 10 feet to tie Rashid Khan at 15-under-par 273 and sank a four-foot birdie on the same hole to clinch his third Asian Tour title, all three coming via playoffs and at the DGC.
Lahiri’s love affair with the par-72 course began in 2011 when he triumphed in a three-way playoff to win the Panasonic Open before returning to pip Prom Meesawat of Thailand in the playoff in last year’s SAIL-SBI Open.
Photo: AFP
“I’m still in disbelief that I made the putt in regulation and got into the playoff,” said 25-year-old Lahiri who signed a final round of four-under-par 68.
“After that, in the next 15 minutes, I didn’t know what happened. Unfortunately for Rashid, it didn’t work out. I feel bad for him as he doesn’t have a card on the Asian Tour,” he said.
“Once I got into the playoff I felt I had the upper hand ... I’ve played the 18th hole I don’t know how many times now, probably 24 times, three extra times. It’s been nice to me,” Lahiri said.
Photo: AFP
Khan did not hide his disappointment after falling short of his maiden Asian Tour title despite a final round six-under-par 66.
“Starting with a par on the first day and losing in a play-off, it’s disappointing,” said the 22-year-old who virtually grew up at the DGC.
Overnight leader Siddikur Rahman of Bangladesh finished with a one-over-par round of 73 to finish four strokes behind.
Local favorite Shiv Kapur was one shot further behind after signing off with a two-under-par 70.
Thailand’s Pawin Ingkhapradit and Australian rookie Matthew Stieger ended tied for fifth.
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