Phoenix Invitational Hyderabad: Bhullar wins 7th IGPL; beats young Chugh in play-off

Hyderabad: Gaganjeet Bhullar’s biggest weapon has been his self-belief, and it carried him to yet another title, his fourth win of the season and seventh overall at the Phoenix Invitational Hyderabad presented by Hyderabad Firebirds GC here on Friday.

For the second week in a row, Bhullar, who birdied twice in his last three holes at Vooty Golf County, won a play-off. This time the win came against Raghav Chugh, who was just four years old when Bhullar turned pro.

Bhullar of Vimtra Chennai Lions GC had twin birdies on the 16th and 17th to reach 14-under, while Raghav Chugh of Phoenix Hyderabad Firebirds GC, who had held the lead minutes earlier, holed a crucial birdie on his closing hole to force a play-off.

Bhullar once again emerged victorious in the shoot-out on the par-4 18th. He sealed the title with a superb approach shot that landed within two feet of the hole, setting up an easy birdie. Sachin Baisoya of Phoenix Hyderabad Firebirds GC finished third at 13-under, while Kartik Sharma of Flyingman Kolkata Tigers GC, Harshjeet Singh Sethie and Shaurya Binu shared fourth place at 12-under.

In the team competition, hosts Phoenix Hyderabad Firebirds, represented by Chugh, Baisoya, Ranjit Singh and Arjun Bhati, claimed the title at 27-under. Flyingman Kolkata Tigers and Vimtra Chennai Lions shared second place at 26-under.

Bhullar said experience and patience helped him overcome a challenging final round. Despite trailing with three holes remaining, he believed he could turn things around.

Chugh, meanwhile, expressed pride in his performance, saying he recovered from a difficult opening round to finish strongly.

The next event is scheduled in Pune from November 18 to 20.

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The Hans India