Macau Open triumph for battling Anirban Lahiri
Indian ace goes toe to toe with Hong Kong Open winner Scott Hend to claim honours and pick up his second Asian Tour title this year
Aggressive Australian Scott Hend met his match as Anirban Lahiri defeated him in a memorable scrap to win the Venetian Macau Open by one stroke on Sunday.
It was a tense battle, more like two heavyweight boxers standing toe to toe and slugging it out, than the genteel pursuit of knocking a ball into a hole.
And Hend failed to do that at the 18th hole, his par putt lipping out to result in a bogey and preventing a play-off to hand Lahiri a narrow victory.
My attitude was never to give up no matter what happens. I told myself to keep coming back, keep attacking. It wasn't easy but I did it
"It was sad to see him missing that par putt on the last hole. But I'm thrilled to win," said a relieved Lahiri, who shot a final round of five-under 66 to total 17-under 267.
"My attitude was never to give up no matter what happens. I told myself to keep coming back, keep attacking. It wasn't easy but I did it."
Hend was bidding to become the first player since Zhang Lianwei - in 2001 and 2002 - to win successive titles. He shot a 69 and had to settle for second tied with Thai Prom Meesawat on 16-under 268. Adam Groom was fourth three shots behind. Drawcard Ernie Els finished tied 26th on 281.
Hend, winner of the Hong Kong Open last week and trying to keep his golden run alive, turns every round into a macho challenge and had dared the opposition to beat him if they could as he started the final round with a two-shot lead over Lahiri.
