An unflappable S. Chikkarangappa put together a final round of five-under-67 to march to a remarkable two-stroke victory over Abhishek Jha in the Asian Development Tour’s Take Solutions India Masters.
Jha had held a six-shot lead over Chikkarangappa going into Saturday’s play at the Eagleton Golf Resort here, but while he faltered, the latter flourished, making the sort of dramatic comeback he has now developed a penchant for.
Jha, disconsolate at the end, finished with a card of three-over-75 and a four-day total of 272.
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Two shots behind him was Nils Floren (274), while C. Muniyappa and Niall Turner were tied for fourth (275).
“This was my first win as a pro on my home course,” a beaming Chikkarangappa said later. “I always felt something was missing. For the last two weeks, after my grandfather passed away, golf wasn’t even on my mind. I dedicate this win to him.”
In the morning, Jha’s six-stroke lead over Chikkarangappa withered away steadily, bogeys on three and four giving his rival a foot in the door. The latter, meanwhile, made two birdies on the front nine and at the turn had reduced the advantage to two shots.
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When Jha three-putted to bogey the 12th, the gap narrowed further.
It seemed inevitable that Chikkarangappa would draw level and he did it in style, with a monster putt for birdie on the 15th. His chip out of a green-side bunker had gone some 40 feet past the flag, but the recovery was splendid and brutal.
Things unravelled quickly for Jha thereafter, a double bogey on the next hole — when his shot out of the second cut just refused to travel — handing his rival a two-shot lead, and effectively the title.
Jha, chasing a maiden triumph, could only stare at the ground while Chikkarangappa, training-mate and good friend, put an arm around his shoulder.
“I want to play that last round again,” Jha smiled wryly later.
“I didn’t pace myself well. I didn’t know how to go about it. It has nothing to do with technique or strategy. It had been five years since I last led a four-day tournament. Next time in this situation, I’ll conduct myself better.”
Chikkarangappa’s fourth professional victory earned him a cheque for $12,250, presented by the ICC Chairman, N. Srinivasan, and a two-year exemption on the ADT.
The scores: 270: S. Chikkarangappa (64, 70, 69, 67); 272: Abhishek Jha (66, 66, 65, 75); 274: Nils Floren (71, 62, 74, 67); 275: C. Muniyappa (69, 68, 72, 66), Niall Turner (67, 70, 70, 68); 276: S.S.P. Chowrasia (74, 68, 69, 65), R. Murthy (71, 68, 64, 73); 277: Pijit Petchkasem (65, 73, 70, 69).