SYDNEY: Rory McIlroy claimed his first title of the year at the Australian Open by a single shot on Sunday after home favourite Adam Scott bogeyed the final hole to lose a tournament he had dominated since the opening day.
McIlroy, who swallowed up Scott’s four-shot overnight lead in the first eight holes, nervelessly sank a 10-foot birdie putt at the 18th to finish on 18-under-par overall with a final round seven-under 66.
Scott, who was seeking a rare “triple crown” of Australian titles after winning the PGA and Masters titles last month, missed a string of chances over the back nine to extend his lead and had just the single-shot advantage going into the 72nd hole of the tournament.
After firing his approach shot over the back of the green, the world number two overcooked his chip and sent the ball racing back past the hole before coming up short with a 40-foot par putt to give McIlroy a chance he grasped with both hands.
“I felt a bit sorry that I was the one that ruined the triple crown for him but I’m very happy,” said McIlroy, who was facing a first winless season since 2008.
Bhullar wins Jakarta
Meanwhile, in Jakarta, Gaganjeet Bhullar bagged his fifth career title on the Asian Tour as he completed a start-to-finish win at the Indonesia Open with a flawless three-under-par 68 in the final round, on Sunday.
It was his first title of 2013 and his second in Indonesia.
Bhullar, who held at least a share of the lead from the first day, opened with 10 straight pars and then sank three birdies to grab the Asian Tour event.
It was a fine day for the Indians, as Jyoti Randhawa (69) finished fifth at 11-under 273 and Anirban Lahiri (68) was tied sixth at 10-under 274.
“Winning takes a lot of patience. I’m glad I stayed patient and showed a lot of confidence,” said Bhullar. (PTI)
