Bhullar lifts maiden Asian Tour title in Jakarta

Jakarta, July 26 (PTI) A flawless final round did the
trick as Gaganjeet Bhullar became the latest Indian with an
Asian Tour title under his belt when the 21-year-old golfer
from north Indian city of Kapurthala lifted the Indonesia
President Invitational title here on Sunday.

Last week's British Open experience seemed to have done a
world of good for the strapping youngster whose final round of
five-under 67 not only earned him his maiden Asian Tour title
but also made up for the heartbreak of finishing runner-up in
the event two years ago.

Bhullar's four-day total of 22-under was two shots clear
of Australia's Adam Blyth, who shot a 68 for the lone second
place at Damai Indah Golf - Bumi Serpong Damai course here.

Bhullar also pocketed a cool USD 63,400 cheque for his
exploits.

"I've got no words to describe how happy I am," said
Bhullar, who was pipped by Filipino Juvic Pagunsan's
birdie-eagle finish in 2007.

"I've been waiting for this for the past two years and I
played really well today and I had a very good finish with a
good score," he added.

Bhullar, who dropped only one bogey all week, took a
one-shot lead into the last round after the third round was
completed Sunday morning. The supremely talented golfer got
out from the blocks superbly with four birdies in his opening
six holes and made the turn with a healthy four-shot lead.

Playing in the fifth to last group after organisers
maintained the third round pairings due to delays caused by
inclement weather, Bhullar nailed his fifth and final birdie
on the par five 13th hole before enduring an anxious wait at
the clubhouse.

Blyth, playing in the last match, fought gallantly in his
attempt for a maiden Asian Tour title but failed to catch the
winner, making a two-putt birdie at the last to secure lone
second place.
"I was sitting in the clubhouse and I knew what happened
to me two years back. Adam played really well but it is a
relief now. I've won three times on the Indian circuit this
year and my goal a few months back was to win on the Asian
Tour and this will get me into all the co-sanctioned events
now and give me a lot of confidence in my coming years,"
Bhullar said.

"Definitely after this victory, many things are going to
change in my life. I'm looking forward to it," said Bhullar,
who received his trophy from Indonesian President Susilo
Bambang Yudhoyono.

Among other Indians in the fray, Rahul Gangjee finished
tied 25th, ahead of Amandeep Johl (tied 35th) and Anirban
Lahiri (tied 47th). PTI AY
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