Perera fires 70 to bag Tata Open

Jamshedpur - Sri Lankan golfer Mithun Perera emerged winner at the 11th TATA Open after firing a final round of one?under?70 here on Sunday.

Perera, who totalled 11?under?274 for the tournament, finished one stroke ahead of Delhi’s Vinod Kumar.

Mithun Perera (65?72?67?70), the overnight leader, had a good start to the day as he birdied the second (par?5) after landing his chip from the bunker within a couple of inches of the flag. He went on to make pars on all the other holes. Perera, who has now won three professional titles, made some amazing par saves on the seventh and 14th. He made outstanding chip?putts on the seventh and 14th.

“I hit it really well today. I was solid through the day and played regulation golf. My short?game was good in the final round, especially the putting. This win is a result of my hard?work and dedication,” said Perera, who has now climbed from seventh to fifth position on the 2012 Rolex Rankings.

Vinod Kumar (68?67?70?70), the defending champion, finished runner?up after firing a one?under?70 in the final round. Vinod’s round featured four birdies and three bogeys and helped him end the tournament with a total of 10?under?275.

Om Prakash Chouhan (69?68?68?71) of Mhow finished a further stroke back in third place.

Rashid Khan of Delhi and Mhow’s Mukesh Kumar shared fourth place at eight?under?277. Rashid has now climbed from second position to first place in the rankings.

Karan Taunk of Jamshedpur, the lone amateur to make the cut, won the trophy for the best performance by an amateur. Taunk was placed tied 31st at four?over?289.