Noida, 23-12-2012
Shiv Kapur ends seven-year-title drought with win over old friend Daniel Chopra at Shubhkamna Champions Golf
Shiv Kapur ended a seven-year drought with a masterly final round of seven-under 65 that saw him finish at 17-under and win the inaugural Shubhkamna Champions Tournament hosted by Jeev Milkha Singh. Kapur, whose last win came in 2005 at the Volvo Masters of Asia, rounded off a string of top-5 and top-10 finishes on Asian Tour with a win by three strokes over his old friend and ‘senior’ Daniel Chopra, who was unable to celebrate his 39th birthday with a title victory.
Kapur’s final round 65 following rounds of 68 and 66 on the first two days saw him complete the three rounds in 17-under 199 and three ahead of Chopra (64, 68, 70) who was at 202. Gaganjeet Bhullar, the third player in the lead group shot 73 and ended the week at nine-under 207.
Mukesh Kumar (68, 71, 69) and Jyoti Randhawa (68, 73, 67) were fourth at 208, while Anirban Lahiri (76) dropped from overnight fourth to ninth at five-under 211. Arjun Atwal (70, 70, 72) was tenth and Tournament host shot a final round of 76 and ended at tied 13th at even par 216.
“It feels absolutely great to end the year with a win and a monkey off the back considering it has been seven years since I won in Thailand in 2005. I have been close many times, but as they you need to close and I finally did it today,” said Kapur, whose win was watched by his father, Ravi, and mother, Renu, who followed him through the final round.
“I have been happy with my game and even though I am going to take a break and be away from golf for a while, I can’t wait to get back and start practice,” added Kapur. “Daniel played well the whole week, it was a great event and the crowds were fantastic.”
On his final round, Kapur said, “The turning point was probably the 12th, where I holed a crucial par putt after missing a short birdie putt on 10th and then bogeying the 11th. Back-to-back bogeys may have spoilt the momentum. But I managed to hold on and then the birdie on 15th from 15-18 feet and then again on 17th sealed it. I had a great 30-35 footer on seventh also. Overall a great week.”
Chopra said, “Well Shiv played great. I tried my best and at times maybe a little too hard. But then it has been a great three weeks – sixth in Thailand, fourth in Johor and second here. I met all my old friends, and celebrated my birthday with them. Maybe the win would have been the icing, but then that’s golf. Still I enjoyed myself thoroughly and would love to be back soon.”
Jeev, the Tournament host, made a great gesture and said, “I am donating my entire prize money from this week to the young and unfortunate victim of the rape in Delhi. She is a brave girl and all my wishes and prayers are with her for her recovery. I hope this never, never happens to anyone ever.”
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