January 22, 2017: The Asian Tour witnessed yet another good run from Indian golfers Shubhankar Sharma and Gaganjeet Bhullar. The duo finished T11 and T18 respectively, playing solid golf in the SMBC Singapore Open. But it was Prayad Marksaeng who made the Sentosa Golf Club his own with a spectacular 67 in the final round.
Another Thai golfer Phachara Khongwatmai finished second alongside Philippino Juvic Pagunsan, Jbe Kruger and Younghan Song. The four men ended the tournament at 8-under 276, just one behind the winner.
There was a three way tie for sixth place. Sanghyun Park, Rikuya Hoshino and Satoshi Kodaira finished a further shot back at 277.
Overn
ight leader Adam Scott slipped to a 74 on Sunday. It cost him eight places as he settled for T9 with Japanese Hideto Tanihara.
Shubhankar Sharma shot two under 70 to gain seven spots. The young Indian played with great composure on the final stretch as he ensured a good finish to the week in Singapore.
Bhullar shot an even 72 as he settled for a tie in 18th place. He ended the tournament with an overall total of four under 280, one behind Shubhankar’s group. The group in T11 also included Sergio Garcia, who was making his first start at the event.
At 50 years and 357 days, Prayad gifted himself an early birthday present as well book a spot to the Open this year. It was a sensational performance from the Thai star.
“I am turning 51 on the 30th of January. This will be the best birthday present for me. I am very happy with my birdie on the last,” said Prayad. “It was a really long putt, about seven feet. I am glad I made it. I am happy that I managed to finish my round before the rain suspension. I don’t like having to wait for play to resume actually. It’s too slow for me. I like to play fast.”
The only other Indian to make the cut was Shiv Kapur. He signed off with a 75 to end the tournament in a tie for 51st place.
