Another sunrise for Jeev

Starting three shots off the pace, Jeev moved into contention with a three-under on the front nine. With the finish line in sight, he stepped on to the gas, reeling off three birdies on the last four holes to slam the doors shut on his rivals and notch up his first win on the Japan Tour in two years. He had won the Casio World Open and Nippon Series JT Cup in 2006.

Jeev aggregated 13-under 275 over four days, equalling the tournament record, and finished two strokes ahead of second-placed Sushi Ishigaki of Japan, who returned a level-par card.

Overcoming injury

“It’s a pretty big day for me,” said Jeev, speaking to The Indian Express over the phone from Hokkaido. “It was after quite some time I was playing here as I play mostly on the European Tour. After failing to qualify for the British Open, I decided to play on the Japan Tour,” said the pro, who was carrying a knee injury into the competition.

Curiously, injuries seem to be turning lucky for Jeev nowadays. “I missed the practice round at the Bank of Austria Open (in June) as well as in this tournament due to the knee injury. I am lucky to have won both,” said Jeev, after pocketing 30 million yen ($280,000).

A first tee starter, Jeev mixed seven birdies with a bogey — the only blemish on an otherwise impeccable round. “I started a little better than what I thought I would. Still I didn’t expect to shoot 13-under 275, especially after dropping a bogey on the 12th hole.

“Sushi was playing well too, and I guess I was pretty lucky to have three birdies over the last four holes,” said Jeev, who will be playing another tournament in Japan this week. “I will be playing in the Sun Chlorella Classic here. Somehow, I feel very comfortable out here in Japan. I feel very welcome here.”

Major quest

Sunday’s win will also see Jeev, world No.77 currently, breaking into the 60s when the rankings are announced on Monday. With an eye on a PGA Championship berth early next month, Jeev would like to improve further on those numbers and make it to the year’s final Major. “It will be good going into a Major with a win under your belt,” he said.

Given his record in the Land of Rising Sun, don’t be surprised if Jeev heads for Oakmond Hills with another impressive show under his belt.