May 5, 2014: He savored his last title win on an international circuit almost 10 years back, Rahil Gangjee has been looking for the second one ever since. Finishing so close, tied 4th at the US$1.5 million The Championship at Laguna National on Sunday, has revived his hopes to join winning circle once again.
Gangjee’s lone success on Asian Tour came in 2004 Volkswagen Masters, China. Later in 2007, he finished third in Hero Indian Open. However, this was the first time since then that Gangjee had a moment to rejoice. Now, he appears hopeful for the future.
“My game has been pretty good. I think it’s my physical ability to carry on which has been tested these last few weeks. Overall, I am very happy because it is really difficult to stay focus in the heat. You get more and more tired towards the end of the round so I’m glad with how I finished,”Gangjee told Asian Tour after his best finish in last seven years.
[highlight] My game has been pretty good. I think it’s my physical ability to carry on which has been tested these last few weeks [/highlight]
He was lingering around the top of the leader board for most of the time at Singapore, but some flip-flop in third round shunted his hopes, and he had to satisfy at fourth even after shooting a career best of 19-under-par 269. He finished three shots behind champion Felipe Aguilar of Chile, who produced a stunning 62, which included an eagle at the last, to win the title.
“The last few holes went by in a hurry. My heart was beating fast on the 17th tee when I hit that six iron. It ended on the edge of the green and did not move from there. I kept myself in it and it was a bonus that the (birdie) putt went in. I think this is my best finish so far and my best four round score ever,” he said.
The commendable result earned him US$75,000 which propelled him to fourth place on the Asian Tour’s Order of Merit.Which is being led by compatriot Anirban Lahiri, who finished sixth last week, following his victory at the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters two weeks ago.
