Rikard Karlberg wins the Hero Honda Indian Open
The Swedish player Rikard Karlberg posted a two-under par 70 in the final round to win the Hero Indian Open on Sunday. Thanks to the two late birdies he posted, Karlberg is now King of Delhi after sweeping up this $1.25 million tournament.
Winning at the Delhi Golf Club in India this weekend, Rikard earned his second Asian Tour title of the season. Second, because earlier this year, he won the SAIL Open in April.
Of course it was those amazing birdies that led the Swede to his two shot victory over the Korean Baek Seuk-Hyun. The winner cashed in a grand check of $198,125. The runner up posted a birdie on the last hole and even though he didn’t win the Indian Open,
Baek earned his best cheque of the career. The second place finish earned him a good $135,625 and was sufficient to ensure his Tour card for the coming season.
The Indian player, Manav Jaini, was who leading on the back nine holes started playing messy after making the turn. Due to the three bogeys Jaini carded, he finished the day tied for third place. Jaini is tied with compatriot Shiv Kapur. Kapur, despite winning
third place, posted a 67 during the final round.
As for the winner, Karlberg, he really had an interesting battle going on with Beak and Jaini. At one point, it appeared as if the Jaini was going to win the tournament. However, the genius 20-futt birdie putt on the seventeenth hole hoisted Rikard two shots
ahead making a secure play on the eighteenth hole. Going into a playoff, the Swede holed his fourth hole for a birdie and started screaming as soon as he knew the ball was in. Even his rival at that point shook his head and muttered to himself that no one
can beat that today.
Karlberg, who has now earned nearly US$600,000 in his rookie season on the Asian Tour, said that he doesn’t believe that he won the tournament.
"It feels just amazing. I feel so comfortable when I'm here. Even when I was struggling today, I felt confident. I am really thankful for the support from the fans and I really like it here," said Karlberg."To sink the chip felt amazing. If you gave me a
100 chances, I wouldn't sink it many times. I was so lucky that the pin was in the way as it came out a bit hot.
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