The home favourite claimed his maiden international win Take Solutions India Masters
S. Chikkarangappa poses with the winner's trophy.
Bengaluru: Home favourite S. Chikkarangappa raised his game when it mattered the most to claim his maiden international win at the Asian Development Tour’s TAKE Solutions India Masters on his home course at Eagleton Golf Resort. Chikka and overnight leader Abhishek Jha upped the temperature on the course as they battled for the title on a sultry Saturday afternoon. Starting the day with a six-shot deficit, Chikka got off to a steady start with the first of his several birdies coming on the third hole. He followed it up with one on the 10th and then three more on the back nine.
The final day action turned exciting as Jha started the proceedings on the wrong foot, missing back-to-back shots on the third and fourth holes. Chikka narrowed it even further with a birdie on the eight.Fortunes turned in Chikka’s favour on the 15th when he holed a 15-foot birdie to draw level with Jha. It was downhill for Jha from there on as he failed to get out of the thick rough on first attempt and eventually missed two shots on the 16th. The game tilted in Chikka’s favour, though he displayed his compassionate side as he patted his friend and gave him hope that all was not over yet.
Chikka finally won his first pro title on his home course carding a total of 18-under-270 to clinch a two-stroke victory over Jha, who finished runner-up at 16-under-272 The Bengaluru golfer said, “I’m delighted to finally win at my home course. Last few events I was right up there but somehow couldn’t make it. The 15-foot birdie putt on the 15th was the turning point. I got the confidence to win from there on. I felt I had the momentum. Then after Abhishek’s double-bogey on the next hole, I made sure I birdied the 17th. I dedicate this win to my grandfather who passed away last week,” said the 21-year-old.
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