Bhattacharya stumbles late but grabs Asian Tour card in Q-School thriller

Shaurya Bhattacharya fought to the wire before a late wobble cost him the top prize at Asian Tour Qualifying School Final Stage, but the 22-year-old still locked in full playing rights for 2026 with runner-up honours at Lake View Resort & Golf Club.

Bhattacharya carried a one-shot lead into the final round but bogeyed three of his last seven holes in a 72, finishing one behind China’s Lin Yuxin at 15-under after needing par on the closing 18th to force a playoff. The two-time Asia-Pacific Amateur champion Lin sealed victory with a 67 to hit 16-under, while Bhattacharya, coached by Rahul Bajaj, could reflect on 27 birdies for the week despite the narrow miss in his bid to go out on top.

Three more Indians earned full cards inside the top 35: Rashid Khan fired a 68 to tie 15th at 7-under, Ajeetesh Sandhu surged to a final-round 67 for tied 19th at 6-under, and Shubham Jaglan survived a marathon five-hole playoff among 12 players tied at 5-under to grab the last available spot. Khalin Joshi missed out at 4-under with a closing bogey, while Kartik Singh and Honey Baisoya tied 57th and S Chikkarangappa tied 64th, all securing limited status to cap a strong week for the subcontinent.

Canadian Henry Lee took third at 14-under with a 70, Mexico’s Roberto Lebrija fourth after a 72 and Australia’s Will Florimo fifth on a 70, as Bhattacharya—currently third on the PGTI Order of Merit with two wins this season—heads into next year with momentum.

Photo – Asian Tour