Emphatic Indian Open win by Chawrasia

SSP Chawrasia claimed his fourth European Tour title on home soil, and a fourth in Delhi, after mounting a hugely impressive title defence in the Hero Indian Open.

Chawrasia carded a final round of 71 to finish 10 under par and seven shots ahead of Malaysia’s Gavin Green, with just seven players ending the tournament under par.

Scotland’s Scott Jamieson and Italy’s Matteo Manassero shared third place on two under, with Spain’s Carlos Pigem carding a double bogey on the 72nd hole to drop into a tie for fifth with compatriot Rafa Cabrera Bello and former champion Anirban Lahiri.

Chawrasia ranks 195th out of 196 for driving distance on the European Tour and was not expected to be suited by the change of venue from the tight, tree-lined Delhi Golf Club to DLF Golf and Country Club, which can play to more than 7,600 yards.

But the diminutive 38-year-old managed his game superbly and utilised his brilliant short game to card just six bogeys all week.

Chawrasia, Pigem and England’s Eddie Pepperell shared the lead when the delayed third round resumed yesterday, with Chawrasia carding a hat-trick of birdies from the 13th to establish a two-shot lead.

In contrast, Pepperell played his last seven holes in seven over par to drop out of contention and eventually finished in a tie for 22nd after a closing 76.

Chawrasia extended his lead in the final round with a birdie on the fourth. Although he bogeyed the sixth and seventh, birdies on the next two holes gave him a commanding advantage which was never threatened.

Scotland’s Stephen Gallacher was tied for 29th after closing with a 73 to finish six over.

Picture: Getty Hero Indian Open winner SSP Chawrasia.