Anirban Lahiri clinches Malaysian Open victory
Indian turns attention to the Masters after securing narrow first European Tour triumph
Indian Anirban Lahiri secured his breakthrough European Tour title by overhauling Austrian Bernd Wiesberger in a dramatic final round of the Malaysian Open yesterday.
Just three months after coming through qualifying school, Lahiri made up five shots on overnight leader Wiesberger before holding his nerve over the last few holes to emerge a winner by a single stroke after carding a four-under-par 68.
"I don't think it's sunk in just yet," said the 27-year-old after finishing 16-under for the tournament.
"But I'm pretty sure when it hits home it's going to be a really happy moment for me.
Lahiri said Saturday's round had been crucial to his becoming only the fourth Indian to win a European Tour title and was already calculating his chances of a Masters debut at Augusta National next year.
"In hindsight, that was one of the most crucial rounds of my career and it's fantastic when you play well at the right times," he added.
"It hasn't quite finished the way I intended to," said Wiesberger. "After the hiccup on five, I didn't hit it anywhere near as good as the last 15 rounds.
"It's tough to say, but it is what it is and, unfortunately, I beat myself out of it today."
Englishman Paul Waring (73) and Spaniard Alejandro Canizares (74) finished tied for third on 13 under, while defending champion Lee Westwood returned 75 for a share of fifth.