Sportstar Open: Darshan, Sowmya emerge winners

For the 32-year-old Darshan, this is his eighth Sportstar Open title and third in a row. It is Sowmya's first title.

(Centre) L.V. Navaneeth, CEO, The Hindu Group, presenting the winner's trophy to V. Darshan, winner of the Sportstar Open Golf mens Tournament and Sowmya Sadagopal, winner of the women's category at Madras Gymkhana Club, Guindy on Sunday.

V. Darshan clinched the open title while Sowmya Satagopal, the women’s crown in the Sportstar Open golf tournament held at the MGC annexe here on Sunday.

For the 32-year-old Darshan, this is his eighth Sportstar Open title and third in a row. “It (the final day) was close up to about six holes, but after that, it was pretty easy. I had three birdies in the seventh, ninth and 10th holes and had established a six-shot lead by then. That was the key,” said Darshan, who runs a construction business in the city.

“I enjoy playing Sportstar Open because I always wanted to win it since I first played as a 16-year-old, but I kept finishing second or third in several editions. My first win in 2007 gave me the required push, where I defeated L. Selvadurai in a play-off.” Sowmya started playing Sportstar Open when she was in her college in the mid-90s. “It (Sportstar Open) is a prestigious tournament. To win it for the first time is special,” she said. L. V. Navaneeth, CEO of The Hindu, gave away the prizes. The results:Open category: 1. V. Darshan (149 gross), 2. C. V. Yudhvir (153), 3. Nikhil Cherian (154). Handicap: 1. Rajit Bakshi (137 Nett, on better second day score), 2.Pranav Nandakumar (137), 3. A. Chummar Verghese (137). Senior: J. Venkataramana (148 Nett); Ladies handicap: 1. Sowmya Satagopal (152 Nett), 2. Premalatha Rao (153); Stableford: 1. C. Venugopal (38 points), 2. D. Nagaraj (37); Bogey: 1. M. Mariappan (+2 pts), 2. Karun Jacob (+1); Best junior: Udhav Shankar  (150 Nett); closest to pin: B. Krishna Kumar