Kumar saved his best for the last
View(s):By David Stephens
Local golf sensation who was defending his title Mithun Perera came agonizingly close to victory at the Sri Lanka Ports Authority Open, as he marched into the final stages of the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) event with a lead over Chiragh Kumar, only to watch the Indian storm back into the contest and claim top honours at the Royal Colombo Golf Club on Friday.
Kumar bagged the title with some fine play down the stretch, finishing 11 under 273 (72-66-67-68), just one shot ahead of Perera, who had a strong run heading into the final round (69-67-64-74). The victory gives Kumar his fourth professional title in addition to a staggering US $11,315 in prize money.
Mithun (10 under 274) began the fourth and final day of the event with a clear lead over Kumar, but lost his momentum in the final round with a series of miscalculations late in the day, dropping four shots on the last six holes. Kumar- who struck a hole-in-one in his second round on the course- in turn played outstandingly to capitalize on these lapses.
Sri Lanka’s talented young gunslinger, Vijitha Bandara, was awarded the trophy for the Best Performance by an amateur, finishing 23rd overall with a one-over-285 performance.
Kumar’s compatriot, Mukesh Kumar, finished third with a score of nine-under- 275 (71-66-70-68) to add to a strong collection of results for India, with Khalin Joshi registering the best round of the tournament with a six-under-65.
Pix by Amila Gamage.
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