Randhawa wins in second play-off

The relief on Randhawa8217;s face, who admitted to having butterflies in his stomach as the play-off spilled over to another day, was palpable. Having not managed a tournament victory for two years, this one on home soil was extra special.

8220;I8217;m really proud to have done my job. I hope this is a start for better things,8221; he said after the win. 8220;I don8217;t have anything to lose after winning the Indian Open.8221;

Randhawa, who had had a scorching third round of 8-under that made him favourite to win, crumbled a bit under pressure in the fourth, but the title did come finally.

Chowrasia, runner-up before in 1999, came much closer this time and this performance will give him much confidence as he tries to retain his Asian Tour card for next year. 8220;This week I realised that my game is on. I can compete with the best and if I keep playing like this, I will get more chances,8221; he said.

There had been much excitement over the participation of the three invitees from the European Tour 8212; Simon Dyson, Graeme McDowell and Andrew Coltart 8212; but only Dyson had something to show for the week. Just a step behind the leader on all three days, Dyson finished his fourth round with 3 birdies on the back nine that took his score to 17-under and gave him fourth place.

Coltart and McDowell, both on a comeback trails, failed to even make the cut, Coltart finishing on a 3-over, and McDowell managing a score of 7-over 144. An Indian winner finally after four years and a sterling performance by the home contingent 8212; with 6 winners in the top ten 8212; made the edition a memorable one. Thaworn Wiratchant of Thailand, who was defending champion, finished tied 16th.