Himmat finishes third, closes in on Asian Tour card

JOHOR BAHRU - Himmat Rai may have failed to win his maiden Asian Tour title, but the 22-year-old was impressive in the company of the seasoned K. J. Choi, who went on to win the weather interrupted $1 million Iskandar Johor Open Sunday with a stunning eight-under 64 on the final day.

Himmat, the overnight leader, who did not get to play Saturday as the event was shortened to three rounds, finished with a final round of two-under and tied for third with two-time US Open champion, Retief Goosen, who shot an amazing 10-under 62 on the final day.

Himmats third place, his best on Asian Tour, has also almost ensured him his 2010 Asian Tour card.

Behind Choi was Chapchai Nirat (66) who was sole second in 16-under, and four shot behind Chois 20-under 196.

Another Indian in top-10 was Anirban Lahiri, whose final day 68 saw him finish tied ninth, coming close on the heels of his third place in Hero Honda Indian Open.

Himmat, who was aiming for his maiden Asian Tour victory, was pleased with his best finish this season when he ended his campaign with five birdies against three bogeys.

It feels good and satisfying to know that I played so well. Overall it has been a great tournament for me. Playing with KJ Choi and the things that I learnt from him is unbelievable. His concentration is very good and he hit some really great shots, said the young Indian.

Having played so well this week, Im beginning to feel much more confident about my game. Im just looking forward to playing more on the Asian Tour and playing my heart out.”

Among other Indians, Rahil Gangjee, at one time as high as third slipped with three bogeys on back nine and his 71 saw him finish at tied 15th. Gaganjeet Bhullar (72) was tied 24th, while Ashok Kumar (75), C MUniyappa (73) and Jyoti Randhawa (74) were all tied at 47th at two-under 214. Digvijay Singh (73) was tied 56th at one-under 215 and SSP Chowrasia slipped with a 77 that saw him end at even par 216 in tied 62nd place.

Asian Tour honorary member Choi celebrated his return to Asia with a deserving victory for a three-day total of 20-under-par 196 at the full field Asian Tour event that was reduced to a 54-hole stroke play tournament due to inclement weather.

Chapchai Nirat of Thailand took second place after delighting the galleries gathered at the Royal Johor Country Club with three amazing chip-ins on the 15th, 17th and 18th holes.

Goosen returned with a superb 62 to take a share of third position alongside overnight leader Himmat who closed with a 70 for a three-day total of 201 at the final round that was suspended for two hours due to thunderstorms.

It is not easy to win on the Asian Tour. The depth of talent of the players here is very deep. If you do not manage yourself and your game, you cannot win out here. For me to win my first Asian Tour title outside of Korea is a testament of how difficult it is to play here, said Choi who will be heading to the lucrative Barclays Singapore Open next week.