Ashbeer Saini celebrated Christmas in style, annexing the Tata Steel Eastern India Open Amateur golf title in Kolkata. The 19-year-old eagled the 33rd hole (15th hole of the course) to seal the match 4 & 3 in his favour against a fighting Karan Tonk at the Royal Calcutta Club on Tuesday.
“I am quite inspired by the exploits of Gaganjeet Bhullar and will one day try and emulate him,” said Saini, who belongs to Kapurthala.
“I am thrilled to win the prestigious event,” said Saini, who incidentally won his maiden amateur title after having made umpteen number of bridesmaid finishes.
Tonk began in the right earnest winning the first hole. However, Saini pulled out his experience and by the end of the first nine was 2-up and consolidated his position at the end of 18 holes going 5-up.
Tonk pulled up his socks in the second 18 when he reduced the lead on the opening hole and later won three consecutive holes to reduce the margin to 2-down by the 29th hole.
Saini fired a birdie on the next to go 3-up. After they had squared the next two holes with birdies, Saini was leading 3-up. The Kapurthala golfer chipped-in for an eagle leaving a tough chance for his rival, who missed the eagle putt and conceded the match.