Bristol, United Kingdom, 14-08-2013
Himmat Singh Rai emerges triumphant at Jamega Tour event in England
India’s Himmat Singh Rai emerged triumphant at a Jamega Tour event at The Players Club near Bristol in England on Tuesday. Rai shot scores of 66 and 71 to end up with a total of three-under-137 at the par-70 course. James Ruth 66-72 of England finished one stroke behind Rai in second place.
The strong field at the 36-hole event included players from the European Tour, Challenge Tour and Asian Tour. The victory gave Himmat his fourth professional title. He also has an Asian Tour title to his credit.
Himmat posted a four-under-66 to be the joint leader in round one along with the English duo of James Ruth and Dan Osbaldeston. Rai’s opening round included seven birdies and three bogeys.
The 26-year-old Himmat showed the patience that was required on a difficult and windy second day as he reeled off nine straight pars on the front nine to remain at four-under for the tournament and lead by one.
Ruth then snatched a great birdie from the difficult, short 10th hole to once again get on level terms with Rai, who then counterpunched with birdie on the 12th to once again move one shot ahead.
Rai tripped and stumbled after his birdie on the 12th and proceeded to bogey the 13th and 15th but fortunately for him Ruth also bogeyed the par-5 15th and so the pair were still tied with two holes to play.
The turning point came on the 17th hole when Rai hit a super second into a tight pin to birdie whilst Ruth dropped a bogey-5 to fall two shots back with one to play.
A little drama ensued up the eighteenth when Rai could only reach the front of the green in three shots while Ruth had a very makeable birdie putt from around 10 feet.
Rai putted up stone dead and marked, leaving Ruth to try and hole his to force a playoff but his effort looked into the hole but refused to drop and so Rai tapped his in to be a worthy winner.
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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. Srinivasan H R (President), PGTI's governing body comprises leading Indian golf professionals. PGTI currently has over 300 members.
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