The monkey is finally off SSP Chawrasia’s back! After four runner-up finishes, the 37-year-old Kolkata pro golfer is finally fifth time lucky as he clinched the title at the $1, 660, 000 Hero Indian Open 2016 at the Delhi Golf Club on Sunday. He held his nerves in the final round to come up with a one-under 71 that saw him edge out the defending champion and the India No. 1 Anirban Lahiri (69) and Korea’s Jeunghun Wang (68).
Last year, Chawrasia had squandered a seven-shot lead to eventually lose to Lahiri in a play-off. There was to be no such repeat this year as he kept his compatriot at an arm’s length with a comfortable two-stroke cushion, despite a determined start from the World No. 52 in the final round.
“I saved a lot of tough shots and it was now. Actually I have been four-time runners-up and I have been thinking I have to win this and it has always been a dream. So I am happy to achieve it,” said the elated champion after his win.
This is Chawrasia’s third win on the European Tour after previously having triumphed at the Emaar-MGF Indian Masters in 2008 and the Avantha Masters in 2011. Overall, this is his 14th win of his professional career.
The long-coveted victory also helped him win back his playing rights on the European Tour after narrowly losing it last year.
“This is very important as I don’t have a full card. Hopefully I am playing Olympics and World Cup and so it is important. I am happy. I was nervous a bit but I focussed and breathed in and out and controlled my nerves,” explained Chawrasia.
