Bhullar fires 64 to win Asian Tour International

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by sportswire4u.blogspot.com (Balbir)
BANGKOK, FEB 7
Indian Gaganjeet Bhullar produced a brilliant course record eight-under-par 64 to win the season-opening Asian Tour International by one shot on Sunday.
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 and edged out Korea’s Hwang Inn-choon, who signed for a 69 for second place in the US$300,000 event.
Japan’s Tetsuji Hiratsuka, runner-up last year, took third place with a 68 while overnight leader Kiradech Aphibarnrat of Thailand carded a disappointing 73 to finish tied fourth with Jbe Kruger of South Africa, three behind the winner.
“It’s amazing. I have no words to describe it, I’m totally speechless. 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. My first event of the year and winning at the start of the season will give me a lot of confidence,” said Bhullar, who pocketed US$47,550.
Bhullar’s title charge was sparked by an eagle at the par five second hole when an eight iron approach stopped three feet of the flag. He nailed four more birdies to turn in 30 and added two more birdies on 15, for the outright lead, and 18 to clinch a memorable triumph with his winning total of 11-under-par 277.
Hwang, who was also chasing his second Asian Tour win, was in the hunt down the straight after overcoming a double bogey on 11 with birdies on 14 and 15. But an errant drive into the hazard on 17 for bogey left him with the tall order of having to eagle the par five last hole to force a play-off which he could only birdie.
Bhullar said: “After 15 where I made a good curling putt, I told myself to make par on 16 and 17 and make birdie on 18. Everything happened the way I decided. On 18, it was amazing. I told myself that the putt was to win the tournament.
“It was a crucial one as I had missed the same putt last the two days from the nearly same line. I had a bit of an idea that it would come from the right. I just got lucky. I’m sure my confidence will go up a long way. I’m looking forward to next week (Avantha Masters). It’s a big event and I love the DLF course as I’ve won there twice (on the local circuit). Going back to play in front of the home crowd will give me a great sense of achievement.”
Sponsors of the Asian Tour International include Kinogolf, Panasonic, Singha, Ricoh, Srixon and Inetol.
Leading final round scores: 277 - Gaganjeet Bhullar (IND) 71-71-71-64. 278 - Hwang Inn-choon (KOR) 72-70-67-69. 279 - Tetsuji Hiratsuka (JPN) 71-72-68-68. 280 - Jbe Kruger (RSA) 70-72-69-69, Kiradech Aphibarnrat (THA) 68-70-69-73. 282 - Ted Oh (KOR) 76-70-71-65, Lin Wen-hong (TPE) 71-74-70-67, Piya Swangarunporn (THA) 70-72-69-71. 283 - Lucas Lee (BRA) 68-74-72-69, Antonio Lascuna (PHI) 70-72-71-70, Kenichi Kuboya (JPN) 73-69-71-70, David Johnson (USA) 71-70-69-73. 284 - Varut Chomchalam (THA) 73-72-72-67, Pariya Junhasavasdikul (THA) 72-72-71-69, Lam Chih Bing (SIN) 69-70-71-74. 285 - Sattaya Supupramai (THA) 73-73-71-68, Mars Pucay (PHI) 69-69-76-71, Thammanoon Srirot (THA) 72-69-72-72, Hideto Tanihara (JPN) 69-73-72-71, Angelo Que (PHI) 74-67-70-74.