Business Standard

Bhullar lifts fifth Asian Tour title with win in Indonesia

Image

Press Trust of India Jakarta
Gaganjeet Bhullar bagged his fifth career title on the Asian Tour as he completed a start-to-finish win at the Indonesia Open with a flawless three-under-par 68 in the final round, here today.

It was his first title of 2013 and the second in Indonesia.

Bhullar, who held at least a share of the lead from the first day, opened with 10 straight pars and then sank three birdies to grab the USD 750,000 Asian Tour event.

It was a fine day for the Indians, as Jyoti Randhawa (69) finished fifth at 11-under 273 and Anirban Lahiri (68) was tied sixth at 10-under 274.
 

Three Indians, Shiv Kapur (68), Chiragh Kumar (68) and SSP Chowrasia (69) were tied 23rd at five-under 279, while Sujjan Singh (69) was tied 29th at four-under 280.

Himmat Rai (71) was tied 35th at three-under 281 and Abhinav Lohan (71) was 51st at one-over 285. Rahil Gangjee (72) finished 64th at four-over 288. The lone Indian missing the cut was Ajeetesh Sandhu.

It was Bhullar's first win since his triumph in Macau 13 months ago and it was his first top-10 finish since his second place at the Avantha Masters in India in March.

"I gave myself a lot of opportunities in the first nine holes but I misjudged my yardages on a few holes. Apart from that, there was no difference in my strategy. Winning takes a lot of patience. I'm glad I stayed patient and showed a lot of confidence," said Bhullar.

"It was kind of difficult for me when play was suspended. I find it hard to go back to my momentum. I haven't had much success this season but I know my game was up there and winning is just a matter of time. I waited so long for my fifth win and this is my 10th consecutive event. Mentally, I was exhausted but Indonesia is one of my favourite cities as I won my first title on the Asian Tour here," added Bhullar, who took home the winner's prize purse of USD 135,000.

It was also welcome return to form for Randhawa, who had finished tied second at CJ Invitational a few weeks ago. He was also 26th at Manila and tied 13th at Hero Indian Open.

Don't miss the most important news and views of the day. Get them on our Telegram channel

First Published: Dec 01 2013 | 6:32 PM IST

Explore News