Czech Masters: Shiv Kapur T47; Thomas Pieters wins title

Report by Anand Datla

August 30, 2015: Shiv Kapur, the lone Indian to make the cut at the Czech Masters closed out with a even par 72 to finish the tournament tied in 47th place. A confident 69 helped Thomas Pieters win the title with a comfortable three shot cushion over second placed Pelle Edberg. Pieters faced no real threat on the final day, as he cruised home to a maiden European Tour victory.

Edberg did get a scent of an opportunity when the 23 year old winner posted a double bogey on the front nine, but he recovered well from there to end the week at 20 under, three shots clear of his Swedish opponent.

Matt Fitzpatrick made a forceful start – making four straight birdies as he sought to chase down Pieters from his perch at the top. In the end he did not catch up with the winner, but managed to come mighty close.

Kapur had a blemishless 70 on the third day as he steadied himself for a final assault on Sunday. Through the twelfth hole on Sunday, Kapur had three birdies and a bogey that came at the par-4 fourth hole, but any hopes of an improved finish were culled soon.

Shiv made a double bogey at the par-3 thirteenth hole to give away vital space as he marched up the final stretch. More importantly, the double bogey seemed to affect Shiv’s effort to build momentum toward his final few holes.

Shiv began his day in brilliant fashion – carding birdies at the first two holes. Though the bogey at the fourth was an unwelcome aberration, Kapur fixed the damage with a birdie at the 10th, soon as he made the turn.

One must credit Shiv for his consistency these past two weeks – he finished T52 at the Made in Denmark and his effort at the Czech Masters was another strong performance. But the 446th ranked Indian will ruminate upon the missed opportunities this week as his inability to make a move on either Friday or Saturday cost him dearly in the end.

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