By IANS,
Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam) : Indian golfer Amandeep Johl, struggling to find his form for almost two years now, completed his best finish at tied 23rd in more than 20 months at the Hana Bank Vietnam Masters here Sunday.
Johl, once a regular top-60 player on the Asian Tour, has been in a slump since early 2007.
Johl shot a flawless final round of four-under 68 to finish at five-under 283 and in tied 23rd place. It was his best finish since the tied 11th in Malaysia in early 2007.
“More than the finish, it was a bogey-free round and some decent golf that I played this week that pleased me,” said Johl, who played this year on a board exemption.
Veteran Thai star, Thongchai Jaidee ended his two year title drought after a thrilling play-off triumph at the Hana Bank Vietnam Masters on Sunday. Thongchai holed a five foot putt for par in the third play-off hole for his ninth Asian Tour title at the Vietnam Golf and Country Club.
Johl had three birdies on the front nine and another on the tenth as he carded a 68. Also finishing in a tie for 23rd was Digvijay Singh (69).
Rahil Gangjee, still not certain of his full playing rights for next season, was hit by a triple bogey on second hole, but recovered to card 71 and finish in a tie for 37th with four others including Gurbaaz Mann (75) who slipped from his overnight 19th place.
S.S.P. Chowrasia, also struggling after his win at the EMAAR-MGF Indian Masters in February this year, shot a final round 73 to finish in a tie for 49th alongside Anirban Lahiri (71) at one-over 71. Himmat Rai, who had a great start on first day, closed with a 71 in tied 61st place.
For Thongchai the win also marked a double celebration as his wife gave birth to another son Dec 5. “This win is dedicated to my family, especially my two days old son who was born on December 5th. He has given me inspiration and the drive to win,” said the former Asian Tour No.1.
Thongchai walked away with the winner’s cheque of $79,250.