The Hindu : Sport / Golf : Himmat Rai is champion

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Feb 13, 2006

Sport

Sport - Golf

Himmat Rai is champion

Special Correspondent

MUMBAI: Himmat Rai of Delhi became the youngest champion in the history of Royal Challenge 105th All-India Amateur golf championship, defeating Joseph Chakola in the final on Sunday.

The 18-year-old, five holes up after 32 in the 36-hole decider at the Bombay Presidency Golf Club par-70 course, attributed his astounding recovery to composure and training.

"I have been playing well in this tournament, so I was confident of winning the final," said Rai, whose putting skills came to his rescue whenever he was in a tricky situation.

The Delhi teenager — planning to enter the pro ranks next year — took to the sport at four.

"I practise for 10 hours daily," said Rai, who held his nerve despite early setbacks in the final.

He was down a hole after the second and again on the seventh, but he birdied the eighth to draw level against an older, experienced rival in Coimbatore-based Chakola.

Rai, one up on the ninth, finished three up on the next nine holes, thanks to some steady putting.

His growing lead became increasingly difficult for Chakola to catch up. "I was never really in the game after nine holes. My putting let me down," said the Oil India Limited player, planning to move abroad for training before turning pro in 2008.

The result (final): Himmat Rai bt Joseph Chakola 5 up/32nd hole.

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