Gallacher ends 5-year title drought

Gurugram, March 31 

Advertisement

Scotland’s Stephen Gallacher sunk three birdies in his final four holes to complete a remarkable one-stroke victory at the Indian Open for his fourth European Tour title.

The 44-year-old overcame a terrible quadruple-bogey eight on the seventh hole to shoot a 1-under 71 on a windy day at the DLF Golf and Country Club for a tournament total of 9-under.

Japan’s Masahiro Kawamura needed to hole his approach shot to the 18th green to force a playoff but ended up short and finished a stroke behind on 8-under after a final round 73.

Spaniard Jorge Campillo was a shot further back in third with overnight joint leader Julian Suri of the United States finishing tied for the fourth place alongside South African Christiaan Bezuidenhout at six-under.

The win ended a five-year wait for a European Tour title for the 2014 Ryder Cup player, who had shared the lead after the opening round, and has his son Jack caddying for him this season.

Gallacher also had bogeys on the third and the tricky 14th but a total of seven birdies more than compensated for the dropped shots on a day when low scoring was difficult.

“I have always loved coming to India. I love my curries and to have my son on the bag for the win was special,” Gallacher said.

Rashid, Chikka finish T-10

Rashid Khan and S Chikkarangappa finished in a tie for the 10th spot and were the best Indians among the eight who made the cut. 

Rashid carded a 2-under 70 and finished at 4-under, while S Chikkarangappa had two doubles in his round of 74.

Shubhankar Sharma’s woes with the eighth hole continued as he put two balls into the water after going into the lake once each in two previous rounds. He shot a 75 and ended at even-par to finish at tied-27th.

Gaganjeet Bhullar (71) rose to tied-39th, SSP Chawrasia (75) was tied-45th, Ajeetesh Sandhu (75) was tied-54th, while Rahil Gangjee (80) and Gaurav Pratap Singh (82) were tied-69th. — Agencies