Bhullar’s feat

Published : Aug 01, 2009 00:00 IST

The Indian’s four-day total of 22-under-par 266, which earned him almost $64,000, was well clear of Australia’s Adam Blyth, who shot a 68 for second place.

India’s Gaganjeet Bhullar proved he was a star in the making when he secured his maiden Asian Tour title with an emphatic two-stroke victory at the Indonesia President Invitational on July 26.

The 21-year-old fired a flawless five-under-par 67 in the final round at Damai Indah Golf course to make up for the heartbreak of finishing runner-up in the event two years ago.

His four-day total of 22-under-par 266, which earned him almost $64,000, was well clear of Australia’s Adam Blyth, who shot a 68 for second place. Thailand’s Thammanoon Srirot finished third on 269 after a 66 while Korea’s Ted Oh was a further stroke back in fourth place.

“I’ve got no words to describe how happy I am,” said Bhullar, who was pipped by Filipino Juvic Pagunsan’s birdie, eagle finish in 2007. “I’ve been waiting for this for the past two years and I played really well today and I had a very good finish with a good score.”

Bhullar, who dropped only one bogey all week, took a one-shot lead into the last round after the third round was completed on the final morning. He then shot four birdies in his opening six holes, and made the turn with a healthy four-shot lead. He nailed his fifth and final birdie on the par five 13th hole before enduring an anxious wait at the clubhouse.

Blyth, playing in the last match, fought gallantly in his attempt for a maiden Asian Tour title, but failed to catch the winner, making a two-putt birdie at the last to secure lone second place which was worth over $43,000.

“Definitely after this victory, many things are going to change in my life. I’m looking forward to it,” said Bhullar, who received his trophy from Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

Filipino Artemio Murakami and Korea’s Bang Sang-moon shared fifth place on 272 while Burhan Bora was Indonesia’s best finisher in tied 35th place.

Final Placings266: Gaganjeet Bhullar (Ind) 69-68-62-67.------------------------------268: Adam Blyth (Aus) 67-66-67-68.------------------------------269: Thammanoon Srirot (Tha) 67-70-66-66.------------------------------270: Ted Oh (Kor) 68-67-66-69.------------------------------

272: Bae Sang-moon (Kor) 76-64-64-68; Artemio Murakami (Phi) 69-67-68-68.

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273: Noh Seung-yul (Kor) 72-68-66-67; Darren Beck (Aus) 66-73-69-65; Marcus Both (Aus) 66-70-68-69.

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274: Lu Wei-chih (Tpe) 70-71-65-68; Scott Hend (Aus) 70-69-68-67; Kim Dae-hyun (Kor) 69-67-69-69; Lee Sung (Kor) 67-67-71-69.

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275: Jason King (Aus) 74-68-65-68; Antonio Lascuna (Phi) 68-68-70-69; Chris Rodgers (Eng) 69-67-70-69; Rick Kulacz (Aus) 72-71-66-66; Thaworn Wiratchant (Tha) 66-66-71-72.

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