New Delhi: Shamim Khan’s love story with Delhi Golf Club continued as he pulled off a dramatic playoff win against fellow Delhi professional Rashid Khan at the BILT Open 2012. The match was decided on the second playoff hole after both Shamim and Rashid ended the regulation 72 holes with identical totals of 14-under-274 at their home course.
Sometimes 18 holes aren’t enough. Sometimes, the golf is so good, that it deserves more for posterity if nothing else. Shamim, who came in to the last round with a four-stroke advantage, slowly felt the pressure. It ain’t over till the fat lady sings, said Shamim of his chances before the final round. It nearly came back to haunt him as Rashid launched a spirited fight-back to take the game to the second sudden-death hole.
The ensuing play-off saw neither golfer giving an inch, and when Rashid missed a 10-footer putt on the second play-off hole, Shamim kept his composure to gently tap an eight feet birdie putt to register his eighth professional win and third on his home turf. A runner-up finish for Rashid ensured him a ticket to the Barclays Singapore Open alongside Shamim.
Shamim Khan (64-72-64-74) shot a final round two-over-74 in regulation, while Rashid carded a two-under-70 to force a playoff with a birdie on the 18th. Earlier, Shamim had a terrible start to the day as he pulled his tee shots to the left on the third - took a penalty drop which resulted in a double bogey. If that was not enough Shamim dropped another shot on the fourth hole to give Rashid the fillip he was hoping for before the final round. A birdie on the 8th saw Shamim recover some lost ground, however Rashid birdied the 9th to come within one-stroke off the lead at the turn.
Shamim, by his own admission, played within himself. A birdie on the 15th was nullified by a bogey on the very next hole where he three-putted from the edge of the green. Rashid trailed Shamim by one stroke after the 17th hole but then made a crucial birdie on the 18th to draw level. The first playoff hole (18th hole) saw Rashid find the bushes on the right and then make a spectacular recovery with a 20-feet birdie putt to take the game to the second play-off hole.
Shamim, who took home the winning cheque worth Rs. 16,16,500, said, “My hitting saved the day for me. I had a poor start but I kept hitting it straight after that. A four-stroke cushion can evaporate in quick time if you miss the fairways at DGC. Rashid made a good comeback towards the end of the round but my experience saw me through in the playoff. There was no pressure on me after Rashid missed his birdie on the second playoff hole. I then focused on my line before converting my eight feet putt for victory. Importantly, it was a left to right putt which has been a problem area for me in recent months.
“This is my biggest win in terms of prize money earned and also my first win in a strokeplay event at the DGC. I have finally broken the barrier of winning in a playoff after three unsuccessful attempts in the past. It’s great to be back on top of the Rolex Rankings.”
Runner-up Rashid Khan, who continues to be placed second on the Rolex Rankings, said, “I'm happy with my performance today. A win would have been great but hopefully next time i'll come back stronger in this situation. I took the tough decision of pulling out the driver on the 18th hole. That helped me take the match to a playoff. However, I could not take my chances in the playoff.”
Manav Jaini (69-71-68-71), another DGC-based professional, finished third at nine-under-279. His final round of 71 featured four birdies and three bogeys.
Mithun Perera of Sri Lanka and Faridabad’s Abhinav Lohan were a further stroke back in tied fourth place.
Indian star Jyoti Randhawa grabbed a share of ninth position at four-under-284.
By Tilak Malaviya
Indian Sports News Network
