Johor Bahru (Malaysia): Himmat Rai's dream
run in the Iskandar Johor Open did not culminate in his maiden
Asian Tour title and the 22-year-old Indian golfer finished
tied third to pocket a cool USD 55,150 -- biggest cheque of his
fledgling career -- here today.
Overnight leader Rai brought home a modest two-under 70
to finish with a 54-hole aggregate of 15-under 201 as KJ Choi
(196) orchestrated a sensational late charge to win the title
with a sizzling eight-under 64.
Burly Thai Chapchai Nirat (200) came second after a
sterling 66 in the weather-hit event that was reduced to a
54-hole tournament.
Among other Indians in fray, Anirban Lahiri's (206) third
round of 68 earned him a top 10 finish at ninth, one shot
ahead of Rahil Gangjee (tied 15th).
Rising star Gaganjeet Bhullar (210) came tied 24th, four
shots ahead of compatriots Ashok Kumar, C Muniyappa and Jyoti
Randhawa who share the 47th place.
Digvijay Singh finished tied 56th at 215, one stroke
ahead of SSP Chowrasia (62nd).
Himmat had a rather sedate front nine with the third hole
bogey sandwiched between birdies as the golfer took the turn
at one-under.
On his way back, Himmat birdied the 11th, 14th and 15th
but dropped a shot each on the 13th and the final hole to
settle for a two-under card and share the third spot with
defending champion Retief Goosen.
Despite missing his maiden Asian Tour title after coming
so close, Rai was not too unhappy since it was his best finish
this season.
"It feels good and satisfying to know that I played so
well. Overall it has been a great tournament for me. Playing
with K J Choi and the things that I learnt from him is
unbelievable. His concentration is very good and he hit some
really great shots," said Rai.
"Having played so well this week, I'm beginning to feel
much more confident about my game. I'm just looking forward to
playing more on the Asian Tour and playing my heart out,"
added the Indian.
Choi's was a flawless round today with the Korean
beginning with a birdie hat-trick and draining five more
strokes for a title-winning total.
Bureau Report