The Hindu : Atwal wins Malaysian Open

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Feb 24, 2003

Sport

Sport - Golf

Atwal wins Malaysian Open

KUALA LUMPUR FEB. 23. Arjun Atwal transcended a quality field and a threatening weather to win the 1.1 million dollar Carlsberg Malaysian Open golf tournament at the par-71 Mines Resort and Golf Club here on Sunday.

Chipping in for a birdie on the final hole, after having strayed a bit on his tee shot, Atwal finished at five-under 66 to establish a winning four-stroke lead over the World Number 5 Retief Goosen of South Africa.

Despite thunderstorms and inclement weather on the second and third day, the Indian pro kept his focus and led throughout the four rounds in this jointly-sanctioned event on the European and Asian PGA Tours.

First he completed the unfinished third round early in the day, Atwal never let go the advantage, tallying an impressive 24-under-260 for the tournament. He started the day from the ninth hole to complete the remaining ten holes of his third round. He opened with a bogey after hooking his tee shot into the woods, but that was the only time he shot an over-par score on any of the 72 holes. In all Atwal had 24 birdies and one eagle.

In the final round, Atwal made birdies on the second, third, sixth, 14th and 18th holes.

With his fantastic effort, Atwal beat the course's four-round record of 21-under set by Tiger Woods.

Goosen had to share the second position with Australian Brad Kennedy, both ending the tournament with 264. Goosen, who was closing in on Atwal, lost the initiative after the turn in the fourth round. And, by then Kennedy had already completed his round with a 64, and that pressure also put brakes on Goosen.

Other Indians in the fray also had good finishes. Delhi's Arjun Singh was tied for the 21st position at 274, while Harmeet Kahlon moved up to tied-48th place at 279. He fired a morale-boosting final round of 66.

Amandeep Johl, however, had a disastrous final day and dropped to tied73rd at 285 after shooting 77.

The scores:

Arjun Atwal (Ind) (62, 65, 67, 66) 260; Retief Goosen (RSA) (66, 64, 66, 68) and Brad Kennedy (Aus) (68, 66, 66, 64) 264; Dean Robertson (Eng) (66, 70, 64, 66) 266; Thammanoon Srirot (Tha) (63, 69, 70, 65) 267; Daniel Chopra (Swe) (65, 68, 66, 69) 268; Ted Oh (Kor) (64, 67, 70, 68) 269; Patrik Sjoland (Swe) (68, 66, 70, 66).

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