Randhawa 29th, McIlroy wins Hong Kong Open golf
Ace golfer Jyoti Randhawa finished tied 29th, the best among the Indians, at the UBS Hong Kong Open trophy here today.
Randhawa, who has been struggling with his form this season put together rounds of 70, 70, 70 and 69 to finish at one-under 279.
The only other Indian to make the cut, Anirban Lahiri finished tied 55th with rounds of 69, 73, 71 and 73 to finish at six-over 286.
Australian Kunal Bhasin, who plays on the Indian Tour, had his best finish of the season in tied 21st place at two-under 278 with a final round 68.
World number two Rory McIlroy finally won the trophy, closing with a spectacular five-under-par 65 which included a dramatic closing birdie from the bunker for a two-stroke victory.
The 22-year-old Northern Irishman started the final round three shots back at the Hong Kong Golf Club but tied for the lead at the turn with two birdies before edging ahead of a packed leaderboard with further birdies on 12, 15 and 18.
Frenchman Gregory Havret, playing alongside McIlroy, settled for second place with also a 65 while Sweden's Peter Hanson took third place after a 70.
Asia's top finisher was Pariya Junhasavasdikul of Thailand, who shared fourth position with last year's champion Ian Poulter of England and Scotsman Richie Ramsay, four behind the winner.
It was also a memorable day for Juvic Pagunsan when he made history by becoming the first Filipino to win the Asian Tour's Order of Merit crown with a 10th place finish which gave him an unassailable lead on the rankings with one event, the Thailand Golf Championship, remaining.
After two runner-up finishes and a sixth place in Hong Kong in the past three years, reigning US Open champion McIlroy, finally achieved his dream of winning the UBS Hong Kong Open after an extraordinary final round charge to end the week on 12-under-par 268 and win USD 458,330.
When he spectacularly holed out from the greenside bunker at the demanding 18th hole, McIlroy broke into a frenzied celebration with his caddie JP Fitzgerald.
"It does mean a lot. I wanted to win this tournament so badly since that play-off in 2008, but finally, to get this trophy in my hands, is very special," said McIlroy, who kept his hopes alive in becoming Europe’s number one.
"It meant a lot to go out there today, knowing that I had to play well to keep myself in The Race to Dubai, probably to keep myself in second place in the world rankings. There's a lot to play for and to produce the sort of golf that I did today was very pleasing.
"You know, I've loved this city, I've loved the golf course, I've loved the tournament ever since I got here. I felt like it owed me something after the play-off (defeat). No matter how prestigious tournaments are, you always have your favourite and this is definitely one of my favourite tournaments and to be able to win it is fantastic. And I couldn't be happier.," he added.
Havret, who also finished second behind McIlroy at the US Open, said an opening bogey proved costly although he fought back with four birdies and one eagle.
Poulter fought like the champion he is before but a bogey on 15th took the wind out of his sails.
