Golf: Chikkarangappa Finishes Second at Mercuries Masters, Bhullar Tied 5th
In yet another dramatic finale at the Mercuries Masters golf tournament on Sunday, Indian golfer S. Chikkarangappa came agonizingly close to his maiden Asian Tour victory, finishing second after a difficult final round. Chikkarangappa, who had been co-leader after three rounds, stumbled on the last day with a 2-over 74, leaving him two strokes behind eventual champion, South Africa’s Jaco Ahlers. Ahlers secured the title with a steady 3-under 69 to finish at 4-under 284 overall.
Despite his strong performance earlier in the tournament, Chikkarangappa’s hopes of lifting his first Asian Tour trophy were dashed by two crucial bogeys on the back nine, leaving him with a total of 2-under 286. His second-place finish extends his wait for a long-sought victory on the prestigious tour.
Chikkarangappa’s Struggle in the Final Round
Starting the day tied for the lead, Chikkarangappa had a promising chance to finally break through and claim his first Asian Tour win. However, the final round proved to be a difficult challenge for the 29-year-old golfer from Bengaluru. He opened with a bogey on the first hole but quickly recovered with a birdie on the ninth. Heading into the back nine, the pressure mounted as Chikkarangappa’s chances slipped away with bogeys on the 13th and 17th holes.
His inability to convert birdie opportunities on the back nine left him in second place, a disappointing finish for a player who has come close to winning on multiple occasions. Despite the setback, Chikkarangappa remains optimistic and determined to continue pursuing his maiden victory on the Asian Tour.
“I gave it my all, but sometimes things don’t go your way. It was a tough finish, but I’ll keep working hard to get that win,” said Chikkarangappa in his post-tournament interview.
Bhullar Tied for 5th After a Challenging Final Stretch
Another Indian golfer, Gaganjeet Bhullar, also faced a challenging day on the course. Bhullar carded a 1-under 71 in the final round but encountered difficulty in the last 10 holes, where he recorded three bogeys. Despite the struggles, Bhullar managed to finish tied for 5th at even par 288.
Bhullar’s solid play throughout the tournament positioned him as a contender, but the late bogeys dashed his hopes of a higher finish. Nevertheless, a top-five finish on the Asian Tour adds to Bhullar’s consistent performances this season, further cementing his reputation as one of India’s top golfers.
Other Indian Performances at Mercuries Masters
The Mercuries Masters saw several Indian golfers battling it out in a highly competitive field. Veer Ahlawat and veteran Jeev Milkha Singh both had strong showings, finishing tied for 11th and tied for 16th, respectively. Ahlawat shot a 75 in the final round, while Singh closed with a 74. Both players were hoping for better finishes but fell short due to inconsistent performances over the four days.
Ajeetesh Sandhu, another prominent name in Indian golf, ended the tournament tied for 22nd after posting a 74 in the final round. Meanwhile, Karandeep Kochhar and Honey Baisoya struggled in the final round, with Kochhar shooting a 77 and Baisoya finishing with a disappointing 78. Both golfers ended tied for 43rd, far from the top of the leaderboard.
Jaco Ahlers Seals Victory
While the Indian golfers fought hard, it was South African Jaco Ahlers who emerged victorious. Ahlers displayed remarkable consistency throughout the tournament and saved his best for the final round, where he shot a 3-under 69 to clinch the title. His total of 4-under 284 was enough to hold off Chikkarangappa and secure a well-deserved victory.
Ahlers’ victory at the Mercuries Masters is his second on the Asian Tour, and his composure under pressure was evident as he navigated the challenging course with precision. The South African golfer’s win highlights his ability to perform in high-stakes situations, adding another significant title to his career.
Conclusion
The Mercuries Masters proved to be another exciting tournament with thrilling performances from top golfers, including India’s S. Chikkarangappa and Gaganjeet Bhullar. While Chikkarangappa’s wait for a maiden Asian Tour win continues, his runner-up finish demonstrates his growing stature in international golf. Indian golf fans will be hoping to see their stars build on this momentum in future tournaments.
