Ballester breaks through as Lahiri slips to T-42 at Saudi International

Anirban Lahiri’s promising week ended quietly with a one-over 72, dropping him to tied 42nd at 8-under as Spain’s Josele Ballester claimed his first professional title at the PIF Saudi International powered by SoftBank Investment Advisers.

Lahiri, who surged into contention with a superb 63 on Friday, couldn’t generate a similar spark in the final round. He mixed three birdies with four bogeys and admitted the season had left him searching for answers.
“Some positives, but lots to work on… I’ve been a bit impatient. I’ll focus on the mental side and come back sharper next year,” he said.

Ballester, just 22 and playing his 10th event as a pro, delivered a composed six-under 65 to win by three shots over American Caleb Surratt. Starting one behind, he surged ahead with a bogey-free front nine and never looked back.
“A dream come true… I worked so hard for this,” he said after sealing his maiden title with six birdies.

South Africa’s Dean Burmester, last year’s playoff winner, closed with 71 to finish third, while England’s Richard Bland took fourth with a 68. Anthony Kim, still rebuilding after a 12-year layoff, delivered his best finish of the comeback in a tie for fifth.

The event also wrapped up The International Series season, with Zimbabwe’s Scott Vincent topping the rankings for the second time and earning a return to the LIV Golf League. Japan’s Yosuke Asaji held on to second despite missing the cut, edging Filipino Miguel Tabuena, who briefly threatened to overtake him before finishing T-11.

Ballester’s breakthrough capped a week that also underlined Surratt’s consistency — the American finished runner-up here for the second straight year.
“It’s tough… I feel like I’m overdue for my first win,” Surratt said.

For Lahiri, the result closes a stop-start 2025 season marked by flashes of brilliance but little momentum. His focus now shifts to reset and rebuild ahead of the new year.

Photo – Asian Tour