S.S.P Chawrasia has become the first Indian player to successfully defend a European Tour title following his victory at the Hero Indian Open. The home favourite blew away the field over the course of four days to lift the title with a comfortable seven shot victory. Chawrasia has dominated this event recently and can now include back to back victories to go with his four previous runners-up positions. It would be fair to say that he simply loves playing in front of his home crowd. He now joins Hideki Matsuyama as a player who has successfully defended a title won in 2016.
Three-way tie at the end of third day
Chawrasia entered the final day as part of a three-way tie for the lead after the weather affected play. In a tie for the lead alongside Eddie Pepperell and Gavin Green, Chawrasia held an advantage in that he still had to complete his third round early this morning. He had to complete seven holes and become the sole leader courtesy of birdies on the 13th, 14th and 15th. He was now in control heading into the final round.
Consistency as others fell away
The Indian player managed to maintain his lead throughout the final round as his nearest challengers struggled. Green would card a 75 whilst Pepperell would card a 76. In challenging conditions it was Chawrasia that was able to remain composed.
His card of 71 was enough to extend his lead further and eventually create enough of a gap to relax. As the others fell he would eventually lift the title with a comfortable seven-shot margin.
Chawrasia is quickly making a name for himself and raising the profile of Golf in India. He represented India at the Olympics in Rio and rose as high as 151 in the world rankings.
However, a dip in form following the Olympics saw him tumble to 262 as he attempted to defend the Hero Indian Open. From his previous five events played he failed to make the cut on three occasions.
Whilst it was hardly the ideal preparation to defend your home tournament, Chawrasia has proved one thing. A player's form is temporary, but their class is permanent.
