Lahiri Overtakes Chawrasia to Win Indian Open


Anirban Lahiri birdied the first playoff hole to beat countryman SSP Chawrasia and win the Hero Indian Open on a tough windy day at Delhi Golf Club. It was Lahiri's second victory in two weeks; the 27-year-old from Bangalore won the Malaysian Open in early February.

Lahiri caught Chawrasia thanks to his good play and Chawrasia's struggles. Lahiri closed with a 2-under 69 to end up tied with at 7-under 277 with Chawrasia, who entered the final round with a two stroke lead but ballooned to a 76.

On the first extra hole, the par-5 18th, the 36-year-old Chawrasia hooked his drive into trees and Lahiri played well from there, finding the green in regulation and sinking a 10-foot for the winning birdie.

"It's incredible - starting today I didn't really think I had a chance," said Lahiri. "It was one of the toughest days ever that I've played golf at Delhi Golf Club and I'm really happy to have accomplished this: it's a childhood dream.

"I was just trying to play well and give myself a chance on the back nine. There were about eight of us who could have pulled through so I feel really lucky and fortunate, and really happy."

Lahiri, who will move into the top-50 in the world rankings and is assured a spot in the Masters, is not quite sure how to react to his recent hot streak. "It's hard to come to terms with," he added. "Just six months back I was in Spain at Qualifying School and really relieved having stared at not having my card with five holes to go, so it feels like I've skipped a couple of steps to get to where I am right now.

"It's obviously a fantastic feeling and hopefully I can keep playing well through the year."

Finishing one stroke out of the playoff were Sweden's Joakim Lagergren, Thailand's Prayad Marksaeng, Sri Lanka's Mithun Perera and Australian Marcus Fraser; only Perera birdied the 18th.

Bangladesh's Siddikur Rahman started the final round two strokes behind Chawrasia. But the defending champion had a 76 to drop into a tie for seventh at 279 with Romain Wattel and Richard McEvoy.

For all the scores, visit http://www.europeantour.com/europeantour/season=2015/tournamentid=2015012/leaderboard/index.html.