Manav Jaini outsmarted top-seeded Ashok Kumar in the 36-hole final to emerge champion in the SRF matchplay championship at the Delhi Golf Club here on Saturday.
Jaini, who had top-five finishes in recent Asian Tour events like the SAIL and Panasonic opens, finally claimed his maiden professional title with a 5 and 4 victory over Ashok.
The 27-year-old pocketed the winner's cheque for Rs. 6.5 lakh. Ashok received Rs. 3.25 lakh.
It was more or less a mental battle for Jaini who entered the summit clash with a strong mindset after a tough semifinal against Mithun Perera.
Jaini planned it to perfection and executed it nicely. On a day that saw a sudden shower and strong winds, Jaini aimed at keeping the ball flight under control.
He focused on his tee-shots and tried to cover the maximum distance in order to put the “conservative” Ashok under pressure.
The strategy worked. “I hit it beautifully off the tee. My hitting was very solid. He (Ashok) had to make birdies, but he was not putting well,” said the winner.
After clinching the first session 3-up, where he won six holes, Jaini kept his focus intact. He started the second session with a birdie on the first and later extended his lead because of Ashok's three-putt bogeys on the third and 13th.
Jaini was determined to wrap it up on the par-5 14th and his first two shots nearly sealed the competition. He made a birdie while Ashok, who won the sixth and 12th, suffered due to his wayward hitting.
With a choking voice, Jaini profusely thanked his coach Nonita Lall Qureshi and his 87-year-old grandfather S.L. Jaini for their support.
“Seven years ago I almost gave up golf. I attribute my success to Nonita,” said Jaini.
Meanwhile, in the battle for third place, Chiragh Kumar defeated Mithun Perera six and five.
