 Chikka prevails over Prabhagaran at LG All-India Amateur, will meet Bhanu in Final The first match of the day lived up to its billing as both Chikkarangappa and Prabhagaran put on an excellent display, producing quality shots in the early part of the match. Chikka managed to go toe-to-toe with the experienced Lankan and through the first eight holes had five birdies against his name, with most of his putts more than ten feet long finding the bottom of the cup. This allowed the Bangalore boy to go 4Up against Prabhagaran. The 29-year-old made a comeback into the match, picking up birdies of his own and after the 13th hole, the score read 1Up in favour of Chikka. But the youngster kept nerves at bay and finished the match with two back-to-back birdies to win the tie.
Speaking after match, Chikka said, “He was just putting really well today and made some excellent saves on the front-nine. But I was also making my putts and I had a good feeling about my game. I am still struggling a little bit on the back-nine on this course, and that is where the match got tight. I hope tomorrow, I will be able to find my touch on that half of the course too.”
Talking about his chances, he said, “When I came for the tournament this week, I was determined to make it all the way to the title and now I am just one step away. Hopefully, I can go on to win tomorrow.”
In the other match, Bhanupratap Singh, who had already notched up his best ever performance on the circuit after he reached the quarter-finals, went into this match as the underdog. But both players struggled with their game on the front-nine, with Karan making the turn with a sizable advantage by his side. After having looked exhausted and out of it, Bhanu found inspiration and put himself back in contention. The match was back to All-square after 12 but on the par-4 13th, a mistake from Bhanu’s caddy almost cost him the match after he raked the bunker under conditions not allowed. The hole was awarded to Vasudeva who went 1Up. Despite that, Bhanu fought on and a birdie three on the 15th followed by Vasudeva finding the hazard on the 16th put Bhanu in the driver’s seat for the first time.
A missed par for Vasudeva on the 17th allowed Bhanu to continue his dream run this week. “It is an incredible feeling. Till now I had not even finished in the top-15 of any tournament and to have made it all the way to the final in the most important tournament on Tour is incredible. One more day, and anything can happen,” said an elated Bhanu after his semi-final match. He will now square up against Chikka in a marathon 36-hole final on Friday.
Semi-final Results
S Chikkarangappa def K Prabhagaran 3&1
Bhanupratap Singh def Karan Vasudeva 2&1 |
