Atwal back to winning ways with Dubai Open title
The 41-year-old Kolkattan signed off with a birdie to emerge as the winner by a stroke over Korean Wang Jeung-hunat the Els Club here on Sunday.
Atwal carded a final round 66 for a 72-hole total of 16-under 272 to take home the winner’s cheque of USD 90,000 but more importantly boosted his confidence level which has now put him back on winning ways.
The US-based pro did survive some tense moments as he made a bogey on the 17th and trailed Wang by a shot on the final hole. However, the lanky pro with a super approach set himself up for a birdie and converted to lift the coveted title against Wang’s bogey on the finishing hole.
Overnight joint leader Shiv Kapur turned in a final round level par while GaganjeetBhullar signed off a card of 1-under 71 to slump down the leaderboard as both finished tied for the 11th position at 10-under 278. Amongst the other Indians in fray, JeevMilkha Singh shot a 4-under 68 to end up tied for the 31st place at 6-under 282.This is the eighth victory for Atwal on the Asian Tour and has come after four years since he had won the Wyndham Championship on the USPGA Tour in 2010.
“I had a forgetful first round after a 73 but then I took each round at a time. And as my putts started to fall, I gained confidence,” said the champion. “I am thankful for all my supporters, my family, my friends for being there for me and having reposed the confidence in me,” he added.
After shooting himself into contention at the end of 54-holes, Atwal opened his account with a birdie while also saving strokes in the third and fourth holes. With a birdie on the eighth, Atwal took the turn at 4-under. A bogey greeted him on the back nine.
However, Atwal who was in top form through the tournament, made a hattrick of birdies beginning from the 13th to be in hunt for the title. The bogey on the 17th dwindled his hopes just a bit but destiny had something different written for Atwal.
“I am happy to end the tournament as the winner. I have been longing to get back into shape and the victory gives me a fresh lease of confidence to head into the next season,” said Atwal who now heads for his hometown for the McLeod Russel Tour Championship which begins on Christmas Day.
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