Dubai resident Shiv Kapur held his nerve to pick up his first Professional Golf Tour of India trophy after a play-off victory over Rashid Khan at the Jeev Milkha Singh Invitational Presented by TAKE Sports.
Kapur led by one shot going into the final round, but struggled over the front nine holes with three bogies and a solitary birdie. A monster birdie putt from 50 feet on the 11th seemed to change the momentum for Kapur, who went on to pick up shots at the 13th, 16th and 17th.
Kapur had the chance for outright victory on the last, but missed a four footer to settle for a tie on 19 under par.
On the first trip back up the 18th with two time Asian Tour winner Khan, Kapur hit a brilliant second shot onto the green from the rough and two putts were good enough to take the title after Khan hit his second shot into the water, which effectively ended the contest.
Kapur collected the trophy and winner’s cheque for AED120,000 from his close friend and fellow Dubai resident Jeev Milkha Singh.
Third place went to Olympian Udayan Mane at 17 under.
“Winning Jeev’s event is so special since he’s like my elder brother and his family is like my second family,” said Kapur, who last won at Chandigarh Golf Club as a 15-year-old.
“Without Jeev’s guidance, I wouldn’t be half the player I am. There could be no better preparation for the upcoming Asian Tour events as I put myself in contention, felt the pressure coming down the stretch and then closed out a win. The season’s just begun for me. All the effort in practice and at the gym is paying off.”
Milkha-Singh added: “It is great to see Shiv play so well and win again. The standard of golf in India is improving all the time. Shiv conducted himself brilliantly throughout the tournament, in the play-off and at the prize presentation. I am so proud he has won this tournament.”
