SHUBHANKAR TRIUMPHS

Youngster beats Campillo to Maybank Championship title by two strokes

SHUBHANKAR Sharma of India bounced back from a four-stroke deficit to claim his second European Tour crown at the Maybank Championship with a two-shot victory in windy conditions at the Saujana Golf & Country Club yesterday.

In his fourth start since winning the Joburg Open in South Africa in December, the 21-year-old fired 10 birdies for a final round 10-under 62 to aggregate 21-under for the tournament, finishing ahead of joint overnight leader Jorge Campillo who carded a 68.

Shubhankar earned US$500,000 (RM1.94 million) for his efforts.

Campillo, who has yet to win a European Tour title, was a shot ahead of Kiwi Ryan Fox and Spaniard Pablo Larrazabal who finished joint-third.

“I played pretty solid and it wasn’t easy because it was windy,” said Shubhankar.

“I made a lot of birdies in the front nine and just continued on the back. To be honest, I wasn’t thinking about the leaderboard.

“On the 13th, I knew I was somewhere near the leaders, but on the 16th I knew I had a two-shot lead.

“The last two months have been fantastic for me. I’m playing in The Open championship this year so I can’t ask for anything more.”

“Whatever happened today was fantastic. I had a few 10-under-pars before. I shot my first one in the Philippines two years ago to save my Asian Tour card and I shot another one before winning the Joburg Open.

“I’m 21 but this is my sixth season as a professional. I already feel like a veteran. Both my wins now are very special.

“I was leading going into the final round of the Joburg Open so I was expected to win. Today, I had no expectations. I didn’t even know I was going to win until the 16th leaderboard. Both wins are different but very special,” Shubhankar added.

Malaysia’s Gavin Green carded a final round one-over 73 for a nine-under to finish 39th with 10 other golfers while Amir Nazrin finished a stroke behind his compatriot.

Gavin earned US$17,100 (RM66,473) for his efforts while Amir received US$12,300 (RM47,814).