Sport - Golf   

Atwal finishes 18th

NEW DELHI, JAN. 19. Ace Indian golfer Arjun Atwal finished a creditable joint 18th at the Sony Open, his maiden appearance on the prestigious USPGA golf tour, at Honolulu, Hawaii, on Sunday.

Atwal collected a prize money of $9,648 after carding 71, 68, 68 and 73 over four days for an overall par-280, according to information received here on Monday. The event was won by defending champion South African Ernie Els who defeated American Harrison Frazar on a play-off after both tied for an 18-under 262. Els shot a final round of 65 while Fraser had 66.

AP report adds: Els beat Frazar with a 30-foot (10-metre) birdie putt on the third extra hole. ``A playoff at the Sony — it's working out for me,'' said Els, the first player to successfully defend his title in 17 years.

When the putt disappeared, Els lifted his arms and leaned his head back in relief. The South African made it tough on himself, losing a two-shot lead with five holes to play. Frazar, winless in 161 starts on the PGA Tour, twice had putts to win — an eagle putt on the 18th in regulation, and a 25-foot (eight-metre) birdie putt at No. 18 on the first playoff hole. The 32-year-old American came through with a 15-foot (five-metre) par putt on No. 10 to send the playoff to the third extra hole.

Els got to finish this one off — plus, he got paid. Els, who has shot in the 60s every round he has played at Waialae Country Club, closed with a 5-under 65. He earned $864,000 for his 13th career PGA Tour victory.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Sport

News: Front Page | National | Tamil Nadu | Andhra Pradesh | Karnataka | Kerala | New Delhi | Other States | International | Opinion | Business | Sport | Miscellaneous |
Advts: Classifieds | Employment | Obituary | Updates: Breaking News |

Stories in this Section

Cricket

• Ganguly eyes the big prize as Zimbabwe struggles to stay competitive
• Court orders detention of Sumathipala
• Kanitkar stars in West's exciting win
• Asia Cup: India begins well
• Hookes became instant celebrity in one over
  
  Tennis
  
• Shruti shuts out Takagishi
  
  Football
  
• Salgaocar, Dempo split points
  
  Badminton
  
• Smooth sailing for seeded players
  
  Chess
  
• Anand in sole lead
  
  Golf
  
• Atwal finishes 18th
  
  Volleyball
  
• S. Railway women rally to beat SCR
  
  

Copyright © 2004, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu