Shubhankar Sharma completed a commanding six-shot victory at the INR 2 crore Kapil Dev Invitational Tour Championship, closing with a three-under 69 at the Jaypee Greens Golf & Spa Resort in Greater Noida.
The 30-year-old Chandigarh golfer, who began the final round two strokes clear, finished at 14-under 274 following rounds of 68, 65, 72 and 69. His final round featured an eagle, three birdies and two bogeys.
The victory maintained Sharma’s perfect record on the DP World PGTI this season. He has now won both his appearances, having also claimed the Boulders Classic in April to end an eight-year wait for a professional title.
The two-time DP World Tour winner collected INR 30 lakh and will carry valuable momentum into next week’s US$4 million DP World India Championship at Delhi Golf Club.
Sharma began with three early birdies, but bogeys in the middle of his round allowed Michele Ortolani to narrow the gap. Another dropped shot on the 10th placed further pressure on the leader before the decisive moment arrived two holes later.
Sharma holed an eagle putt from around 60 feet on the par-five 12th, reclaiming control of the contest in gusty conditions. He then relied on his short game and putting to protect his advantage, including an important par save from a difficult position on the 16th.
“The eagle came at exactly the right moment,” Sharma said. “The lead had been reduced, and holing a putt from that distance gave me a huge lift.”
Ortolani and Bengaluru’s Manoj S closed with matching 73s to share second place at eight-under 280. Manoj earned INR 16 lakh and climbed from 26th to 17th in the Race to DP World India Championship, securing his place in next week’s marquee event.
Four-time season winner Khalin Joshi finished fourth at seven-under 281, strengthening his hold on second place in the standings.
Harman Sachdeva and defending Order of Merit champion Yuvraj Sandhu shared fifth at six-under 282.
Saptak Talwar retained the Race to DP World India Championship lead after finishing tied 16th at one-over 289. Viraj Madappa claimed the final qualifying berth for the season finale by ending the week 24th in the standings.
Sharma will now lead the home challenge at Delhi Golf Club against a world-class field featuring Rory McIlroy, defending champion Tommy Fleetwood, Ryan Fox, Patrick Reed and Bubba Watson.
Photo – PGTI / Champion Shubhankar Sharma wears the winner’s jacket presented by Mr. Amandeep Johl, CEO, DP World PGTI (3rd from right)
