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Indian golfer Chinnaswamy Muniyappa maintained lead for three consecutive days winning the $1.25 million Hero Honda Indian Open .He defeated South Korean Lee Sung to earn his maiden Asian Tour title on Sunday.
The Bangalorean fired 10-foot birdie putt on the par five 18th to win at DLF Golf and Country Club. The 32-year-old had a one stroke lead at the start of the day and closed with a two-under-par 70. Lee, who was born deaf, caught him with a 69, helped by a birdie on the last. The pair finished tied on 12-under-par 276.
Australian Marcus Both, Kwanchai Tannin from Thailand and India's Anirban Lahiri finished two strokes back. Both shot 71, Tannin came in with a 70 while Lahiri charged up the leader board with a 64 helped by an eagle on the last.
Muniyappa said,"I only came here to try and help keep my Asian Tour card. It was only when I got to the play-off that I thought let's go for the win. I really don't know what I will do with the prize money. Maybe rent a house.”
Muniyappa turned to a professional golfer in 1996 but this year marks his first season on the Asian Tour, which makes his victory even more incredible.
"I learned the game by watching members at the club. My first clubs were a seven iron and a two iron. I have never had a coach. I got some advice on things to work on this year on my swing but it would have taken a lot of practicing. There is no time. I'd rather be playing in tournaments than practicing," added Muniyappa.
Lee said,"I thought I could win and felt confident all week. I was very patient and kept my concentration very well. It is disappointing but I think this week was meant Muniyappa's week.”
