Dubai-based Shiv Kapur shot a final round of 70, two under par, for a tournament total of 278, nine under par, to finish in tied 27th place in the $500,000 Mandiri Indonesia Open played over the 7,243 yards, par 72, Pondok Indah Golf Course.
Fellow Dubai resident MG Keyser (RSA) who represents Jumeirah Golf Estates, shot his best of the week round of 69, to finish the tournament with rounds of: 70. 70. 74. 69 for a total of 283 and five under par for tied 45th spot.
On completing his round, Shiv told Gulf News, “It has been a steady performance this week for me. After a couple of months off and away from the tournament scene, I am pleased with my form. I have been working hard on my short game and wedge play and it is still work in progress. My next event is in Singapore next week. I am looking to build on this week and hopefully my current jet lag will be behind me by then.”
Physically ready
He added, “My foot was a bit of a challenge today. I will rest for the day and tomorrow, so I am physically ready. I left a few shots out there on the greens this week but nine under and tied 27th is OK,” concluded Shiv.
India’s Gaganjeet Bhullar made history by becoming the first player to win this week’s tournament on three occasions.
He produced one of the finest rounds of his career to return a bogey free seven under par 65 for a tournament total of 20 under, and a two shot victory over England’s Steve Lewton, who carded a 64, and India’s Rashid Khan, in with a 68.
Khan had started the day in front with Thailand’s Atiruj Winaicharoenchai but Bhullar was unstoppable and a man on a mission, making three birdies on the front, and four on the back – which included three on the trot from the 13th.
Bhullar showed no sign of Sunday nerves and put on a putting masterclass, holing brilliant birdie putts and crucial par saves, to record his 10th win on the Asian Tour and first since 2018. He has also won more titles on Tour than any other player from India.
“I played like a champion tee to green and gave myself so many birdie opportunities,” said the 34 year-old Indian, who won this event in 2013 and 2016, with the latter win here at Pondok Indah.
Positive memories
Bhullar said after his victory, “I was riding high on confidence, hit the ball really good. It is a great week, I had a lot of positive memories having won this tournament two times previous, that was definitely on my subconscious mind. The goal was just to go out there and give my 100 percent.”
With this week’s performance Shiv moves upto 52nd from his nine events on the 2022 Asian Tour’s Order of Merit and MG Keyser to 57th from his eight events. Bhullar moved upto 10th spot and the Rankings are currently led by Sihwan Kim (US) following this week’s tournament in Indonesia.
The Asian Tour now heads for next week’s International Series Singapore next week at Tanah Merah Country Club.
