Jakarta, Indonesia, 04-12-2022

Anirban Lahiri claims the runner-up spot at BNI Indonesian Masters

Gaganjeet Bhullar secures fifth place; Veer Ahlawat finishes tied 10th

Indian Anirban Lahiri claimed the runner-up spot at the Asian Tour's season-ender, the US$1.5 million BNI Indonesian Masters, staged at the Royale Jakarta Golf Club.

Lahiri (66-70-70-66), winner of the event in 2014, carded a six-under 66 in the final round to finish with a total of 16-under 272, four shots behind the winner Sarit Suwannarut of Thailand.

Gaganjeet Bhullar (69-70-70-66), who too returned a 66 in the last round, secured fifth place at 13-under 275. Bhullar, a winner in 2022, thus finished 14th on the Asian Tour Order of Merit, the highest among the Indians.

Veer Ahlawat (67-68-70-73) took tied 10th place at 10-under 278 following a fourth round of 73. Veer ended 38th on the Asian Tour's merit list and as a result retained his full playing rights on the tour for next season.

American Sihwan Kim wrapped up the Asian Tour Order of Merit (OOM) title after finishing in a tie for 28th, while Scott Vincent from Zimbabwe secured the International Series OOM, by finishing in equal 10th position.

The weather, which had caused numerous delays since Thursday, had a final say today when lightning stopped play at 1.09pm with Sarit having two holes left to play and enjoying a comfortable five-shot lead. Play resumed at 2.30pm with the rising Thai star able to par his way home. 

While Lahiri was not able to win this event for a second time he was more than happy with his week’s work.

Anirban said, “It was a really good week. I think I finally got into some rhythm you know, just coming off not playing much golf. I think I was surprised on Thursday that I played the way I did. And then the next two rounds were more like what I was expecting, but I think as I played more and more I started getting into a good rhythm. 

“Just a few chinks in my game, I worked on my putting yesterday after the delay. I was really happy with the way I started swinging it, much better, more like what I like to see from my game.”

Besides Bhullar (14th) and Ahlawat (38th), the other Indians who finished inside the top-70 of the Asian Tour Order of Merit and therefore retained their cards for next season were: Rashid Khan (17th), Ajeetesh Sandhu (25th), Viraj Madappa (37th), Karandeep Kochhar (53rd), SSP Chawrasia (61st), Shiv Kapur (65th), Chikkarangappa S (67th) and Honey Baisoya (69th).

Source: Asian Tour

Pictures: Asian Tour