Oct 07, 2018: India’s Viraj Madappa is strongly determined and consistent through out last three rounds to finish in top ten at the Yeangder Tournament Players Championship.
Though Viraj had rough start with 76 in the first round, he carded 66-67-68 through the last three rounds and grabbed solo fourth place. Other fellow Indians Rashid Khan and Karandeep Kochhar shot similar four-under-68 in the final round to finish within top twenty at T14.
John Catlin of the United States became the fifth person to win three titles in a single season on the Asian Tour when he signed off with a flawless seven-under-par 65 to win the Yeangder Tournament Players Championship on Sunday.
American Sihwan Kim was tussling with Catlin for the outright lead right until the 16th hole where a costly bogey pegged him back to second place which he would eventually finish at the US$500,000 event.
The local hopes of welcoming another home winner were dashed as Chinese Taipei’s Hung Chien-yao could not surmount the late charge needed and ended his week in third place at the Linkou International Golf and Country Club.
Viraj Madappa enjoyed a welcome return to form by finishing fourth after missing three cuts since his maiden breakthrough at home in in August. Viraj scored four under 68 in the final round to secure a good finish.
“I was a little disappointed I didn’t get off to a good start today but I gave myself lots of opportunities in the middle of the round. But I’m still happy with the way I’m playing. It was tough mentally but I’m glad I stuck to my game plan and managed to stay focused,” said Viraj.
“I feel like my game is there physically but got to work on my mental strength which was lacking the last few weeks. If my mental strength is strong, I can work my way up the leaderboard.“
Catlin, who held a share of the lead since the second round, had a decisive birdie on 16 to thank for giving him a two-shot cushion heading into his final two holes.
That advantage provided him with much relief as two straight pars on 17 and 18 saw him close with a winning total of 15-under-par 273 and sealed his place as the newest winner of the Yeangder Tournament Players Championship.
Asian Tour Championship
