Jakarta [Indonesia]: National rising star Nicholas Fung captured his career best finish on the Asian Tour at the Indonesian Open on Sunday, contending for the title before settling for a share of second alongside Thailand’s Chapchai Nirat.
India’s Gaganjeet Bhullar dominated the proceedings after shooting a flawless three-under-par 68 to win his first Asian Tour title in 2013 by three shots on at the Pantai Indah Kapuk Course at Damai Indah Golf.
The talented Indian opened with 10 straight pars but displayed a gutsy back nine performance highlighted by three birdies to complete a sensational wire-to-wire triumph at the US$750,000 Asian Tour event.
Siddikur Rahman of Bangladesh ended his campaign with a 67 in solo fourth on 272 while Jyoti Randhawa (69) of India was a further shot back. Young Thai Jazz Janewattananond, the co-leader at the start of the day, returned with a disappointing 74 to finish tied sixth.
The bespectacled Fung turned in 32 to raise his hopes of winning his first Asian Tour title before running out of holes. The 23-year-old who finished tied fifth in Manila a fortnight ago, all but confirmed his playing rights on Asia’s leading Tour next year with a pay cheque of US$64,875.
“I’m extremely happy with my performance this week. It’s really good to see my name up on the leaderboard amongst the other experienced players,” said the reigning Malaysian number one.
Despite his defeat, Fung held his head high after a worthy performance that was highlighted by a superb 30-yard bunker shot from the edge of the 17th green which resulted in a two feet birdie.
“During the rain suspension, I checked my phone and was overwhelmed with tons of messages from my friends and family, as well as my supporters. I felt really encouraged and I’m glad I didn’t disappoint them,” smiled Fung, who leads the Asian Development Tour money list.
At the end of 18 holes, it was Bhullar who was the last man standing. He got off to a slow start but picked up pace when the fast-charging field edged closer and threatened to overtake him. A birdie on 11 was the turning point in his round which led to two more birdies on holes 13 and 14.
His momentum came to halt when inclement weather suspended play for over an hour but he returned with four pars to clinch his fifth Asian Tour title.
“I gave myself a lot of opportunities in the first nine holes but I misjudged my yardages on a few holes. Apart from that, there was no difference in my strategy. Winning takes a lot of patience. I’m glad I stayed patient and showed a lot of confidence.”
“It was kind of difficult for me when play was suspended. I find it hard to go back to my momentum. But I guess these kind of scenarios are common in Asia. We just have to accept it as it is,” said Bhullar, who took home the winner’s prize purse of US$135,000.
The victory was also a welcome return to form for the Indian who struggled in the last six months and finished last at the World Cup of Golf in Australia last week.
“I haven’t had much success this season but I know my game was up there and winning is just a matter of time. I waited so long for my fifth win and this is my 10th consecutive event. Mentally, I was exhausted but Indonesia is one of my favourite cities as I won my first title on the Asian Tour here,” said Bhullar.
Leading final round scores
268 – Gaganjeet Bhullar (IND) 64-67-69-68
271 – Nicholas Fung 66-67-72-66, Chapchai Nirat (THA) 67-67-71-66
272 – Siddikur Rahman (BAN) 71-65-69-67
273 – Jyoti Randhawa (IND) 69-70-65-69
274 – Antonio Lascuna (PHI) 74-65-67-68, Anirban Lahiri (IND) 71-68-67-68, Thaworn Wiratchant (THA) 70-64-69-71, Jazz Janewattananond (THA) 66-66-68-74
275 – Prom Meesawat (THA) 67-66-71-71, Thongchai Jaidee (THA) 67-67-68-73
