Bhullar bounces back with crown in Korea

Bhullar bounces back with crown in Korea

Gaganjeet Bhullar celebrates his win.
Gaganjeet Bhullar celebrates his win.

Incheon: India's Gaganjeet Bhullar returned to the winner's circle for the first time since 2013 when he powered his way to victory with a final round four-under-par 67 at the Shinhan Donghae Open yesterday.

Asian Tour rookie Scott Vincent of Zimbabwe could not have asked for a more memorable week after he closed with a 69 to finish tied for second with Korea's Kim Tae-Woo at the KRW 1.2 billion (approximately US$1 million) event.

Australia's Scott Hend increased his lead atop the Asian Tour Order of Merit by signing off with a 68 take a share of fourth place with Sweden's Malcolm Kokocinski.

With the relentless rain pelting down on the Bear's Best Cheongna Golf Club, Bhullar kept his composure by reaching the turn in 34 after three birdies and a bogey.

Four birdies in his next five holes after the turn saw Bhullar reach the top of the leaderboard at 17-under, with a commanding four-shot advantage.

His charge towards victory was however halted when he bogeyed 16 and 17.

Bhullar then parred the closing 18 for four-day total of 15-under-par 269 but had to endure a nervous wait as Vincent and Kim, who were playing in the last group, still had the opportunity to force a play-off.

"I knew I was leading by four shots and somehow 16 was one of the toughest holes and I had to keep the ball in play and try to make a par at least.

"But I made a bogey there after hitting the water. Despite those two bogeys, I was still mentally strong and I knew that nobody was going to stop me from winning today," said Bhullar.

Bhullar's thoughts proved prophetic as Kim and Vincent could not extend the tournament into extra-time with their closing birdie and par respectively.

"I was not in contention when I started the round but I was very certain I was going to win this week and I was full of confidence.

"I kept telling myself I was going to win this trophy. There was lots of dedication and will power to do that," said the Indian.

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