Golconda Masters: Manu lifts maiden trophy, Karandeep finishes runner-up

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, September 5

Gurugram’s Manu Gandas put up a stoic performance on the final day to lift his maiden professional trophy at the Golconda Masters Telangana Open 2021, at Hyderabad Golf Association (HGA) Course.

Gandas (64-58-64-64), overnight leader by five shots, turned in a card of 2-under 64 featuring four birdies and two bogeys to end up with a tournament tally of 22-under 250. The 25-year-old Gandas collected a cheque worth Rs6,46,600 to move up from eighth to fourth in the PGTI Order of Merit. His total earnings for the season now read Rs24,12,350.

Chandigarh’s Karandeep Singh Kochhar (67-64-63-59) shot the day’s best score of 7-under 59 to jump three spots and finish runner-up at 19-under 253. The 22-year-old Kochhar has now further extended his lead in the PGTI Order of Merit as his season’s earnings stand at Rs42,95,130.

Kochhar’s flawless round, the lowest of the day, saw him make all greens in regulation. The two-time winner this season sank a 30-feet birdie on the 15th and landed his tee shot within two feet of the pin for a tap-in birdie on the 18th. “I’m proud of my effort as I didn’t get any practice in 10 days prior to this event because I was unwell. A runner-up finish in that context is special,” said Kochhar.

Bengaluru’s Chikkarangappa (67-63-61-63), 2019 winner, ended third at 18-under 254 following a final round score of 3-under 63. Bengaluru’s Khalin Joshi (61) and Noida’s Amardeep Malik (65) claimed tied fourth place at 16-under 256. Hyderabad’s professional Mohd Azhar finished tied 24th at 5-under 267. Milind Soni won the trophy for the best performance by an amateur as he ended tied 38th at 1-under 271. Tej Gangavarapu, other Hyderabad-based amateur to make the cut, closed the week in 51st place at 5-over 277.

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