Chikka overcomes Pritam to retain title
Gauri prevails over Shreya to wear women’s crown
S Chikkarangappa unleashed the fighting spirit within him in grand style for the second day in succession to extend his reign as the all-India amateur golf champion here on Sunday.
Just when everyone thought dark house Pritam Haridas would cut short his stay at the top after racing to a six-hole lead with just 12 played, a tenacious Chikkarangappa clawed his back in astonishing fashion to script a memorable 3&2 win in a gruelling 36-hole final at the Karnataka Golf Association.
“I am extremely happy with my performance today,” said a beaming Chikkarangappa, who last year became the youngest winner of the crown. “Although I was six down, I never gave up. I told my caddie there still were 24 holes to play and anything is possible. I just kept believing in myself and I am really proud to have done it.”
The start was anything but good for the all-India junior champion. The starting problem that has so often bogged him down throughout the event made its presence felt again as the 17-year-old failed to control his game.
Clearly struggling with his driving, Chikkarangappa tried to counter it with his short game, but to his dismay, even that was inconsistent.
However, the talented teenager showed great heart in countering every adversity that came his way. Despite being at the receiving end of some terrific golfing from Pritam -- who in a trail of blaze racked up four holes on the trot from the ninth to 12th to go 6-up -- Chikkarangappa was nerveless. He repaid the 20-year-old in kind in winning four in a row from the 15th to the 18th to end the morning session 2-down.
Pritam, who has not played competitive golf regularly with his focus on academics, tried hard to maintain his composure. He did so fairly well, keeping the lead intact until the 28th hole.
But the lack of match practice and Chikkarangappa’s continuous pressure began to take a toll on the youngster as his game suffered an alarming collapse from 29th hole onwards.
Seizing the opportunity, Chikkarangappa brought the contest to even terms with a par putt on the 29th before firing a birdie on the 30th to take the lead for the first time. He then won the 32nd and 33rd before retaining the title with a par putt on the 34th.
Gauri wins
Gauri Monga snatched the Ladies amateur title from defending champion Shreya Ghei following a 2&1 victory in the 36-hole final at the Bangalore Golf Club.
Leading 4-up after 18 holes, Gauri suffered a collapse in the second session to be all square after 28 holes. The talented 17-year-old from Delhi Golf Club, however, kept her cool to win the 31st and 32nd to seal a hard-fought win.
Result: Men: S Chikkarangappa bt Pritam Haridas 3&2.
Ladies: Gauri Monga bt Shreya Ghei 2&1.
