Kolkata: On the day of the Festival of Colours, Kolkatans have something to cheer for. City golfer Shiv Shankar Prasad Chawrasia won the Hero Indian Open at Gurgaon today and became the second Indian to defend the prestigious title after Jyoti Randhawa (2006 and 2007). He is also the third player to defend the title after Japan’s Kenji Hosoishi (1967 and 1968) and Randhawa. This is also the third consecutive time that an Indian has won the Indian Open with Anirban Lahiri winning it in 2015 and Chawrasia clinching the title last year.
Chawrasia, who was a caddy at the Royal Calcutta Golf Club in Kolkata, according to PTI, signed off with a seven-stroke win at the newly-designed DLF golf and country club in Gurgaon. “I am very happy. It is such a tough course, I think I got lucky this week,” Chawrasia said after romping home with a prize money of USD 291,660. “It was only after I drove from the 18th tee I felt now I will win this one. All week, I just tried to keep it straight and putt well,” added Chawrasia who is nicknamed Chipputtsia and Chow and who turned professional in 1997.
Chawrasia, who was sharing the lead, with Spain’s Carlos Pigem and England’s Eddie Pepperell after the third day finally had the last laugh, after 42 of the 69 players making the cut failed to complete the third round. “I m glad my prediction of 10-under came true,” said the Kolkata golfer, who also became the second Indian after Jeev Milkha Singh to have four European Tour titles in his kitty. This was his sixth win on the Asian Tour and sixth international victory. His fellow Indian, Lahiri, according to PTI, “Struck five birdies against four bogeys to turn in a one-under card for a share of the fifth spot.” Chirag Kumar (74) and S Chikkarangappa (72) ended at the 22nd and 34th spots with totals of 293 and 295 respectively.
There is no doubt, Chawrasia has given his city a perfect Holi gift and also to the rest of his countrymen, who will celebrate Holi tomorrow.
(With inputs from PTI)