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China's Liang triumphs in India

(China Daily)
Updated: 2008-10-14 09:06

NEW DELHI: Chinese star Liang Wenchong birdied the last two holes to take the title at the Hero Honda Indian Open on Sunday by one stroke over Australian rookie Darren Beck.

Liang Wenchong of China poses with the winner's trophy at the Hero Honda Indian Open at the Delhi Golf Club in New Delhi on Sunday. [Agencies]

Liang, who was the Asian Tour's Order of Merit winner last year, nailed a 2-under-par 70 at the Delhi Golf Club to seal his victory with a winning total of 16-under-par 272, despite Beck's steady 65.

The Chinese veteran rose to fifth place on the Asian Tour's Order of Merit.

"I'm delighted with this win. It's my first triumph from start to finish and I'm really happy," said the jubilant Liang.

Australia's Adam Blyth was even-par for the day and claimed third place, while Jeev Milkha Singh was the highest ranked local finisher when he carded a 69 for a 276 total to finish in lone fourth spot.

It was a remarkable week for Liang who opened his campaign with a superb 60 on Thursday. He then fired two straight 71s and held on to a one-stroke advantage heading into the final round.

The Zhongshan-born champion was three under after nine holes on Sunday but he slipped on the back nine by dropping a shot on the 14th hole coupled with a double bogey on the 15th.

Beck took advantage by firing a birdie on the final hole for a one-stroke lead, but Liang bounced back thanks to an accurate drive on the 17th hole and a superb chip on the 18th hole which left him with a three foot birdie putt for the win.

"This is an important win for me. It proves that I'm heading in the right direction," said Liang, who won the Singapore Masters last year.

Beck clawed his way up from a six-stroke deficit in the final round by holing seven birdies to finish in lone second place.

"I'm delighted with my performance this week," the Australian said.

"I'm surprised to have done well but it's because I've been focusing on my mental game in the past few weeks. I felt confident and not nervous which has been my main problem before."

Singh, who won the Order of Merit in 2006, enjoyed a birdie on the last hole to finish in outright fourth spot.

"I had a stiff neck but I took some painkillers and I didn't feel a thing during the round. I am very happy with my performance today," said Singh, who recorded his best finish at the Delhi Golf Club.

Jyoti Randhawa carded a 74 and finished in a tie for 57th place after a 290 total.

AFP