Gangjee ends 14-year title drought with Panasonic Open triumph

Osaka, April 22: Indian golfer Rahil Gangjee ended a 14-year title drought by closing with a three-under 68 for a one-shot victory over South Koreans Hyungsung Kim and Junggon Hwang at the Panasonic Open Golf Championship here on Sunday.

Despite the immense pressure on the 18th hole, Gangjee managed to hit his bunker shot out to within 10 feet of the pin. The 39-year-old went on to sink that decisive birdie and win his second Asian Tour title with his four-day total of 14-under 270.

Gangjee admitted he had self-doubts after not being able to enjoy much success since his last Asian Tour win in China in 2004. However, it was his sheer will power that brought him back into the winner’s circle after enduring years of frustration. IANS