12 October,2009 12:44 PM IST | | IANS
Indian golfer Chinnaswamy Muniyappa stayed in lead for the third consecutive days and won the $1.25 million Hero Honda Indian Open in a play-off, beating South Korean Lee Sung to earn his maiden Asian Tour title on Sunday.
The Bangalorean drained a 10-foot birdie putt on the par five 18th to win at DLF Golf and Country Club and transform the life of a golfer, who once earned one rupee working as a caddie aged seven in Bangalore.
The 32-year-old had a one stroke lead at the start of the day and closed with a two-under-par 70. Lee, who was born deaf, caught him with a 69, helped by a birdie on the last. The pair finished tied on 12-under-par 276.
Australian Marcus Both, Kwanchai Tannin from Thailand and India's Anirban Lahiri finished two strokes back. Both shot 71, Tannin came in with a 70 while Lahiri charged up the leader board with a 64 helped by an eagle on the last.
"I only came here to try and help keep my Asian Tour card. It was only when I got to the play-off that I thought let's go for the win. I really don't know what I will do with the prize money. Maybe rent a house," said Muniyappa.
He turned professional in 1996 but this year marks his first season on the Asian Tour, which makes his victory even more incredible.
"I learned the game by watching members at the club. My first clubs were a seven iron and a two iron. I have never had a coach. I got some advice on things to work on this year on my swing but it would have taken a lot of practicing. There is no time. I'd rather be playing in tournaments than practicing," added Muniyappa.
Muniyappa birdied seven and nine for a solid front nine. He then made another birdie on 11 but dropped his first shot of the day on 14. He recovered with a birdie on the following before dropping a shot on the 16th. He then parred his way home.
He earned $198,125 for the victory and it dwarfed the $17,391 he had earned from the other 10 Asian Tour events this year. The result saw him lead from 97th position on the Order of Merit to sixth.
Lee missed a birdie putt from 12 feet on the play-off hole to open the door for his inexperience Indian opponent.
The Korean, who has won once before on the Asian Tour in the 2007 Bangkok Airways Open, has been hovering just off the lead all week and comfortably made the green in two to make a fine birdie four on his last hole.
He mounted a challenge for the title with a three under par front nine but he made costly bogeys on 12 and 16.
"I thought I could win and felt confident all week. I was very patient and kept my concentration very well. It is disappointing but I think this week was meant Muniyappa's week," said Lee.
