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India's Anirban Lahiri poses with the trophy after winning the Malaysian Open. Photo: EPA

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.

I don't think it's sunk in just yet. But I'm pretty sure when it hits home it's going to be a really happy moment for me
Anirban Lahiri

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.

"I think I've got a bad habit of making it hard for myself, but I'm happy I got over the line, as ugly as it was towards the end."
Lahiri has now won six Asian Tour events. Photo: AP
Lahiri, who soared into contention with a third round 62 on Saturday, got off to a fine start by birdieing four of his first five holes.

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.

"The Masters is definitely one of my targets. I don't know how far I'll move up [in rankings], but I'm pretty confident now with this win I should have a pretty good chance."
Anirban Lahiri move up to second in the Race to Dubai standings. Photo: EPA
Wiesberger's fourth successive top-10 finish put him in the top five on The Race to Dubai, but the 29-year old was left to rue his closing 74.
I think I've got a bad habit of making it hard for myself, but I'm happy I got over the line, as ugly as it was towards the end
Anirban Lahiri

"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.

This article appeared in the South China Morning Post print edition as: Lahiri clinches Malaysia victory
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