Top 20 finish for Arjun Atwal

Report by Anand Datla

September 28, 2014: Arjun Atwal made a composed 70 in the final round of the Asia Pacific Diamond Cup event to finish in a tie for 17th among a group of five golfers. Hiroyuki Fujita produced a memorable 66, when it mattered most to snatch victory on Sunday. Jyoti Randhawa could only make a two over 73 as he slipped into a tie for 28th with four other golfers.

Atwal made back to back birdies on the third and fourth holes to raise visions of a top ten finish, but three bogeys – 8th, 11th & 14th holes – set the Indian back to one over for the day. However, he could salvage his score back below par with birdies at the 15th and 18th to complete a good recovery.

Randhawa also had a middling day, especially dented by a sequence of bogeys from the 8th through 10th holes. Eventually, Randhawa made four bogeys and a pair of birdies to account for a disappointing 73 to end the tournament in T28.

Overnight leader Wen-Chong Liang had a forgettable day. An ill-timed slip in form meant that he endured a miserable 74 that dropped him into a tie for ninth with seven other men. Kiradech Aphibarnrat, Jason Knutzon and S K Ho made 67, 68 and 69 respectively to finish in a tie for second.

David Lipsky had a forgettable tournament that got progressively worse. He made 69-73-74-76 for a score of 8-over 292 to finish in T56. Keeping him company was SSP Chowrasia who also made a 76 on Sunday to complete his event in disappointing fashion.

Fujita pocketed his ¥30,000,000 prize with a brilliant round of golf. The Japanese golfer made three birdies on either side of the course to pocket the trophy and a healthy cheque for his efforts. Atwal won ¥1,431,000 and Randhawa took home ¥1,023,000 for their 17th and 28th place finishes respectively.