Epic eagle hands Bhullar Fiji honours
FIJI: India’s Gaganjeet Bhullar withstood the intense pressure by producing one of the best shots of the week on the 17th hole and sealed his ninth Asian Tour win at the Fiji International yesterday.
Staring at yet another bridesmaid finish this season, the Indian showed he would not be easily cowed as he holed a monstrous chip from outside the green for an eagle-three.
That eagle gave him a one-shot cushion over Australia’s Anthony Quayle, who had earlier broken the course record with his nine-under-par 63 at the Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course.
Bhullar hit his approach shot straight onto the green on 18 and left his birdie putt just short of the hole. An easy tap-in for par for a winning total of 14-under-par 274 would soon confirm the 30-year-old as the newest winner of the Fiji International.
“It was a tough day. It was windy, flags were tough, but I played really well,” said Bhullar. “I gave myself many, many opportunities today.”
Quayle, who started the day two shots behind Bhullar, mounted a late challenge when he stormed home with three birdies and two eagles in his back-nine.
However, it was still not enough to catch Bhullar on a day when the Indian showed great composure and mental courage.
Major winner Ernie Els of South Africa also staged a late comeback by closing with a 65 to share third place with New Zealand’s Ben Campbell.