Maiden pro title for Saini
Kapurthala’s Ashbeer Saini gave his career a new lease of life with a maiden professional title at the PGTI Feeder Tour’s event in Karnal, Haryana, on Friday. The 24- year- old, who returned a sedate one- over- 71 in the final round, prevailed by three shots at nine- under- 201 for a wire- to- wire victory.
Delhi’s Pawan Verma fired a three- under- 67 to gain two spots and finish second at six- under204. Saini ( 63- 67- 71), overnight leader by five shots, had a par front nine with two birdies and two bogeys. His best effort on the outward nine was a chip- in for a terrific par save.
The commanding overnight lead and absence of any serious challenge on the final day ensured Saini’s win.
Saini joined the professional ranks in 2013 as a bright prospect after having had the distinction of being India’s leading junior and amateur golfer in the preceding years.
“This win is huge for me as it helps me finally break the victory barrier and put behind the disappointments of the past. I’ve fully recovered from my injury now and this win might just prove to be the turning point of my career,” he said.
Verma ( 72- 65- 67) produced the third day’s joint best score, a 67 for his second runner- up finish of the season. Gurugram’s Kushal Singh finished tied third along with Lucknow’s Amardeep Rawat ( 69) at fiveunder205.