Larrazabal wins HSBC Golf,Bhullar@10

January 19, 2014: Spain’s Pablo Larrazabal came from behind to fire splendid 67 to lift  season’s first European Tour event Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship. Rory Mcilroy and Phil Mickelson shared the second place with a total score of 275, one shot behind the winner.

India’s Gaganjeet Bhullar could not hold onto his Saturday’s pace to shoot a disastrous 75 on Sunday to finish tied 10th with a total four round score of 281, seven shots behind the leader. While, Shiv Kapur’s(71-72-75-67) final round of 67 could not fetch him much favour as he finished with a total score of 285 and 37th on the leaderboard. Jeev Milkha Singh(69-75-74-72) could not revive his day 1 form to lie at 60th at the end of the game.

Pablo  knocked in a five foot birdie putt at the last after leaving his eagle effort well short for a closing five under par 67 and 14 under total.

[highlight] Shiv Kapur’s(71-72-75-67) final round of 67 could not fetch him much favour as he finished with a total score of 285 and 37th on the leaderboard. Jeev Milkha Singh(69-75-74-72) could not revive his day 1 form to lie at 60th at the end of the game [/highlight]

Mickelson  who was the prime contender till he ran up a triple bogey at the 13th, needing an eagle from the middle of the fairway, but despite finding the green in two the American failed to hole his putt from 50 feet.

“I beat two of the three most talented guys in my era,” said Larrazábal, who likened his birdie putt on the 18th to the par putt holed by Martin Kaymer to retain the Ryder Cup at Medinah in 2012.

“It feels great,” said Larrazábal. “Only me and my team know how much we’ve worked during the last three years.”

The 30-year-old Barcelona native, Pablo has won twice on the European Tour in 2011. Ranked 103 in Official World Golf Ranking,the win gets him into the top 55 in the world.

Spaniard played consistent golf in Abu Dhabi  for four rounds( 69-70-68-67) to emerge victorious. He shot six birdies on Sunday.

McIlroy produced a closing 68 to finish tied for second with Mickelson, who recovered brilliantly to birdie three of his last five holes.

The Northern Irishman was left to rue both a string of missed birdie chances after some wonderful work from tee to green, and his two shot penalty in the third round for an incorrect drop.

“I came in here telling everyone that I’m really happy with my game and done some good work and felt like it was coming together for me at the end of last year. I’ve continued that on, so I’m really excited for the rest of the season,” McIlroy said.