News APP

NewsApp (Free)

Read news as it happens
Download NewsApp

Available on  gplay

This article was first published 6 years ago
Rediff.com  » Sports » Sharma holds nerve to claim maiden tour win at Joburg Open

Sharma holds nerve to claim maiden tour win at Joburg Open

Last updated on: December 11, 2017 16:26 IST
Get Rediff News in your Inbox:

Shubankar Sharma

IMAGE: Shubankar Sharma kisses the trophy after winning the Joburg Open. Photograph: Luke Walker/Getty Images

India's Shubhankar Sharma claimed a maiden European Tour title at the rain-hit Joburg Open on Monday when he returned to the course to card a final round 69 to secure a three-shot victory at the Randpark Golf Club in Johannesburg.

 

The 21-year-old Sharma led for the final two rounds after a scintillating 61 on Friday and had 11 holes to complete after lightning, rain and hail forced the event into an extra day.

His tournament total of 23 under-par was three ahead of South African Erik van Rooyen (66), whose outright second place provided him with a best ever European Tour finish.

Shubhankar Sharma

IMAGE: Shubankar Sharma plays shot on the 9th hole. Photograph: Luke Walker/Getty Images

"It feels wonderful to have won, I actually wasn't going to come to South Africa about a week ago, but in the end decided to travel and I'm really happy I did that," Sharma said at the trophy presentation.

"I hit the ball good and putted well, but the key for me were the up and downs I made through the week. Once in a while you have to make some par saves to get a round going and I did that."

South African Shaun Norris (65) finished tied for third with Finland's Tapio Pulkkanen (68) at 17 under-par, a result that allows the former to join Sharma and Van Rooyen in the field at next year's Open Championship at Carnoustie Golf Links.

Get Rediff News in your Inbox:
Source: REUTERS
© Copyright 2024 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.

INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE 2024

INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE 2024