Prasad ends for a long time on the first title at Tamil Nadu Open

Arjun Prasad receives his trophy and check from Coimbatore Golf Club -President R. Gopinath and Tour CEO Amandep Johl. Image Courtesy Pgti.

By Rahul Banerji

Arjun Prasad ended an eight -year waiting time for a first title with a four -stroke triumph at the RS 1 Crore Tamil Nadu Open in the Coimbatore Golf Club on Friday.

The 26-year-old, who started the final round with an impressive lead of six shots, returned a level par 72 to enter the circle of the winner with a total of 8 under 280, the PGTI said.

Prasad, based in Delhi (70-68-72), a professional since 2017 and the only player this week who is not about Par, picked up RS 15 Lakh who brought the income of his season to RS 84.71.599.

A consistent performer this season with 10 previous top 10 Finishes, including two second results, has now closed the gap for the PGTI order of merit Yuvraj Sandhu to less than RS 4 Lakh.

Jairaj Singh Sandhu from Chandigarh (75-71-70-68) shot the joint low from 68 to a total of 4 under 284 for the week and ended in a draw for the second.

The Southpaw also moved 12 places to 22^ND On the earnings list.

N. Thangaraja van Sri Lanka (72-73-69-70) delivered a 70 closure to share second place with Jairaj on 4 under 284 and progress from sixth to third in the PGTI ranking order.

Hyderabad’s Mohd Azhar (68) and Jamal Hossain (71) from Bangladesh closed the week in fourth place in 2 under 286.

Healthy pillow

Prasad started with a lead of six shots, but hit an early bump on the front nine and gave two shots away against a Birdie. A great up and down on hole 10, the scene suggested his Mars to victory.

Two long Birdie Putts and two good pars of accurate chipschoten helped Prasad to come home, because the chase package never endangered its score in the day.

Even a final bogey only reduced the final victory margin to four strokes, such as his control over the day procedure.

“I am delighted that today I was finally exceeded the border,” said a radiant Prasad later.

“The victory took some time to sink. More importantly, I stayed in the moment and was very focused all day.

“I didn’t sleep well last night, but got up early, did my warm -up routine and was quite relaxed when I reached the job.

“My Caddy Mohan and I talked for the round about holding the same process as the last three days.

Momentum boost

“The front nine was a bit up and down, but I didn’t let that be bothered when I kept beating fairways and greens. The up and down on the 11^one I really have my momentum going.

“Then a number of crucial Birdie Putts have the kind that wins tournaments. I want to thank my family and my Caddy for all their support.

“The sealing of a place in the DP World India Championship in Delhi Golf Club is a huge boost, because that was one of my goals as soon as the tournament was announced.

“Playing in a field that includes Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood is a dream come true.

“I am really looking forward to playing with Tommy again, who was my play partner at the Indian Open 2016 when I participated as an amateur.”

Read also: Arjun Prasad opens six-shot lead on day three of TN Open

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