Varun Chopra overturned a three-shot final-round deficit to win the AM Green IGPL Invitational presented by Vimtra Chennai Lions Golf Club by two strokes in Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates.
Chopra closed with a four-under 68 to finish at 14-under 202 after rounds of 66, 68 and 68. Overnight leader Shiv Kapur struggled to a one-over 73 and finished runner-up at 12-under 204.
The victory was Chopra’s first on the IGPL and earned him the first prize of INR 22.50 lakh. Kapur collected INR 15 lakh.
Chopra began the final round three behind Kapur, who had opened the tournament with a course-record-equalling 10-under 62 before adding a 69.
The American made an immediate move with a birdie on the first and added three more between the fifth and eighth holes. His four-under front nine carried him past Kapur, who was unable to find a birdie during the final round.
Chopra strengthened his position with another birdie on the 14th. Although he dropped a shot on the 16th, pars on the final two holes were enough to complete a two-shot victory.
Chopra, who is from Illinois and graduated from Northwestern University, was named the PGTI’s Emerging Player of the Year in 2023. He has also competed on the Korn Ferry Tour, PGA Tour Canada, HotelPlanner Tour, Asian Development Tour and Asian Tour.
Kapur’s only dropped shot came at the par-four 12th as he signed for a birdie-free 73.
The triumph continued a strong season for Chopra, who won on the APGA Tour earlier this year and also impressed at the Morocco Rising Stars Marrakech event.
Sachin Baisoya fired a final-round 68 to finish third at eight-under.
Veer Ganapathy, Gaganjeet Bhullar, Varun Parikh, Aryan Roopa Anand and Tushar Pannu shared fourth place. IGPL debutant Ravi Kumar and young Kanav Chauhan tied for ninth after closing with rounds of 70 and 71, respectively.
Chopra’s victory also carried Auro Goa Eagles to the team title at 23-under. RVR Delhi Blue Bulls, led by Kapur, finished second at 21-under.
Hyderabad Firebird and Flying Man Kolkata shared third place at 13-under. Baisoya led Hyderabad’s challenge, while Parikh was the leading contributor for Kolkata.
Photo – IGPL
