October 09, 2016: Gaganjeet Bhullar and S Chikkarangappa capped a brilliant week in the Indonesian Masters with a spotless 67 in the final round to secure their places inside the top ten. Gaganjeet Bhullar, winner of the Shinhan Donghae Open, finished in fifth place at 12-under 276. Chikkarangappa (277) took sixth place at the Royale Jakarta Golf Club where Poom Saksansin outclassed the field by a five stroke margin. The Thai golfer shot scores of 69-69-65-67 to defeat Phachara Khongwatmai, Suradit Yongcharoenchai and Masahiro Kawamura, who all ended the week at 13-under 275.
Gaganjeet Bhullar enjoyed another rousing performance on the Asian Tour as he continues to ride his recent wave of Korean success. The Indian enjoyed a share of the lead when he made 66 in the first round, only to suffer a disappointing 73 in the second round.
To his credit, Gaganjeet Bhullar set aside that disappointment to shoot 70 and 67 over the weekend. In the final round, he made 14 fairways and all 18 greens in regulation to underline his return to form.
Just as he did in the first round, Gaganjeet Bhullar kept a clean sheet on Sunday. After a sedate front nine that contained a solitary birdie at the 7th hole, he capped the back nine with consecutive birdies at both ends.
Gaganjeet Bhullar shot fine birdies at the 10th, 11th, 17th and 18th holes, taking just 32 strokes to complete his duties. “I played well for three days, said Gaganjeet Bhullar, in a matter of fact tone. “Today was in the first in a long time that I hit 14 fairways and 18 greens.
A 62 was definitely out there. I’m pretty happy the way I played after winning last week. This course is one of my favourites on the Asian Tour. I’m glad that I was in contention during the week.”
Chikkarangappa suffered a 73 on Saturday to drop outside the top twenty, but bounced back in style on Sunday. The talented golfer from Bengaluru matched Bhullar by producing a memorable 67 that helped him back up to sixth place, just one shot off his compatriot.
Incredibly, Chikkarangappa also shot a solitary birdie on the front nine before adding four of them on the stretch home. He shot birdies at 10, 12, 13 and 18 as he forced himself back into the top ten.
“I played solid throughout the week. The rain delay yesterday put me back because I played really solid,” rued Chikkarangappa, still thinking of that third round.
“I’m happy with how I finished. I must take the result however it comes. I’m playing really solid,” added Chikkarangappa, looking to find solace in the many positives from an outstanding week in Jakarta. “I learnt how to play in the tough conditions. Now I’m used to it so when there is a rain delay no matter what, I will make sure it doesn’t distract me. I’ll stay focussed and not blame the weather. I can take out a lot of positives from this week.”
Anirban Lahiri made a sensational recovery from a bruising 75 in the first round. Scores of 66-71-70 from there helped the PGA TOUR player to finish the tournament at 6-under 282, in a tie for 30th place.
Jyoti Randhawa recovered from the 74 on Saturday with an effort that was seven strokes better in the final round. He joined Arjun Atwal in a tie for 36th, with the latter making 74 on Sunday.
Chiragh Kumar and Rahil Gangjee made 70 each to sign off in a tie for 43rd place. Himmat Rai suffered a painful 75 to lose 30 spots from his overnight 13th position.
Jeev Milkha Singh’s commendable effort this week under pain and discomfort came to an end with a 71. The veteran made two 69s to start the tournament, but a 78 in the third round dropped him down the order to T52.
Shiv Kapur, working back from a layoff due to injury showed glimpses of brilliance this week, as in his first round 68. But he got off the course with a 77 today to end the week in 63rd place with an overall score of 4-over 292. Abhinav Lohan shot a second straight 75 to finish in 66th place.
