Yangon, Myanmar, 24-02-2013
Gangjee finishes tied seventh in Myanmar, Lankan Perera claims runner-up spot
Rahil Gangjee finished tied seventh at the Zaykabar Myanmar Open presented by Alpine on Sunday. The Kolkata golfer, who suffered an early setback in the form of a double bogey on the par-5 second hole, carded a two-under-70 in the final round to end up with a total of 14-under-274.
Among the other Indians in the fray, Himmat Singh Rai finished with a 68 and moved to a creditable tied 13th at 12-under-276. Sujjan Singh, recovering from an injury, shot a 67 to end the week with a total of nine-under-279 alongside fellow Chandigarh youngster, Ajeetesh Sandhu (68) in tied 24th place. Shankar Das’ final round score of 69 helped him finish in a tie for 39th at seven-under-281.
Thailand’s Chawalit Plaphol dashed Sri Lankan Mithun Perera’s hopes of making history when he birdied the last two holes to win the title. Perera plays on the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI), where he has won three events.
Overnight leader Chawalit was tied with Mithun on 17-under heading into the last hole but the Thai set up a three-foot birdie putt with an exquisite approach shot at the par five 18th hole to win his fourth Asian Tour title at the Royal Mingalardon Golf and Country Club.
Chawalit closed with a three-under-par 69 while Mithun, aiming to be the first Sri Lankan to win on the Asian Tour, fought bravely with a sensational 65 at the US$300,000 event, which is the opening event of the 10th Asian Tour season.
Chawalit, 38, was a figure of consistency through the week and held the lead for most of the round until Perera came charging home with five birdies in the last seven holes.
Perera finished 50th on the Asian Tour Order of Merit last year to earn an Asian Tour card for 2013 and his career has been on an upswing since then.
Despite his defeat, Mithun, whose father Nandasena also played on the old Asian circuit during the 1980s and 1990s, remains confident of winning his first title on the Asian Tour.
“All you need is one good week to turn your life around. I think the win is not far away for me. I’m sure my father and my country are proud of me. This week, I flew the Sri Lankan flag high,” said the 26-year-old, who was five shots off the lead at the start of the day.
About PGTI:
Formed in 2006, Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) is the recognised official body of professional golf in India. PGTI's objective is to promote professional golf in the country, as well as to give players an opportunity to be involved in the decision making on all aspects of the game. Headed by Mr. Kapil Dev (President), PGTI's governing body comprises leading Indian golf professionals. PGTI currently has over 300 members.
For information on PGTI, please contact:
Nikhil Kalaan
Media Manager - PGTI
Mobile: 9910974846
Email: media@pgtofindia.com
