Consistent Chirag clinches Panasonic Open India crown

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Press Trust of India New Delhi
Last Updated : Nov 08 2015 | 8:02 PM IST
Home favourite Chiragh Kumar secured his maiden Asian Tour title by clinching the USD 400,000 Panasonic Open by three strokes at the prestigious Delhi Golf Course here today.
The 31-year-old Delhi golfer, who led the course in the last two days, recovered from a fifth-hole bogey on the final day and fired three birdies to bring home a card of two-under 70 to total 13-under 275 here.
Cheered by his wife, Namrata, daughter Aynaz, parents and friends, Chiragh staved off the challenge from Bangladesh's Siddikur Rahman, who kept breathing down his neck for most part. A rare bad swing off the tee on the 17th hole and a bogey at the 18th spoilt Rahman's chances as he finished second along with Thailand's Thaworn Wiratchant (69).
Namchok Tantipokhakul of Thailand and Jyoti Randhawa, who won eight times at the Asian Tour, led the charge on the final day as they produced 66 and 67 to sneak into the top 5 at tied fourth.
First-round leader Mithun Perera of Sri Lanka (70) and India's Shubankar Sharma (69) also shared the fourth place.
Among other Indians, Manav Jaini (68), Shankar Das (69) and Vikrant Chopra (70) also finished inside the top 10 at tied eighth place.

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Rashid Khan (70) who had three doubles in the week, was sole 11th, while S Chikka (74), who promised so much earlier in the round, bogeyed last three holes and dropped to 12th with Pariya Junhasavasdakul (68) of Thailand and Indian duo Sujjan Singh and Rahil Gangjee (69).
Chiragh had finished second at the Hero Indian Open in 2011 and three years ago it was at the same Panasonic Open India tournament where he picked up an ankle injury and that affected his results for close to a year.
"The most important thing is I was finally able to get over the line," said a relaxed Chiragh, who took home USD 72,000 for his win.
"Winning an Asian Tour event means a lot to me. I have come close once or twice in the past. I have actually been playing well for the last month and winning at the Delhi Golf Club makes it very special. I have grown up over here seeing senior players playing at this course and wanting to be at that stage and experiencing it today is really a dream come true.

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First Published: Nov 08 2015 | 8:02 PM IST

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