Bhullar beats Baisoya in play-off to win Maritime Invitational

Gaganjeet Bhullar edged out Sachin Baisoya in a play-off to win the Maritime Invitational, presented by Green Fuels Vizag Dolphins as part of the Indian Golf Premier League Tour, at East Point Golf Course in Visakhapatnam on Thursday. The title was decided after a sudden-death play-off on the closing day.

The final round had been reduced to 16 holes; Bhullar carded a one-under in that round to finish at 10-under overall despite missing a series of birdie putts. Baisoya began the day six shots behind but fired a seven-under round to also finish at 10-under and force the play-off.

In the play-off Baisoya’s chip from just off the green went past the flag, while Bhullar holed a 40-foot chip to claim the victory. That decisive chip-in secured the trophy in the extra hole.

The win was Bhullar’s third IGPL title this year and his sixth overall. His success lifted Chennai Lions to the top of the team standings with a total of 14-under.

Sachin Baisoya finished as runner-up. M. Dharma posted a six-under round — the second-best score of the day after Baisoya’s seven-under — to finish sole third at six-under.

Speaking to The Hindu after the victory, Bhullar said: "It feels good. I’ve been hitting the ball really well the whole season. I’ve been working on a few of my technical things and it has paid off. As a team, too, we are doing well."

Bhullar sounded confident going into the remaining four legs. (The writer is in Visakhapatnam at the invitation of Indian Golf Premier League.)