Date: July 26, 2009
Author: Sportal

So close for Blyth

Australian Adam Blyth has been upstaged by up-and-coming Indian Gaganjeet Bhullar by two strokes in the Indonesia President Invitational on Sunday afternoon. Blyth signed off on a four-under 68 final round on Sunday but could not over-take Bhullar, who&aposs flawless five-under 67 ensured the 21-year-old secured his maiden Asian Tour win with an overall score of 22-under. Thailand&aposs Thammanoon Srirot finished third on 19-under after posting 66 on the final day as Korea&aposs Ted Oh found himself a further stroke back in fourth place. Bhullar, who dropped only one bogey all week, took a one-shot lead into the last round after the third round was completed this morning. The supremely talented youngster got out from the blocks superbly, though, with four birdies in his opening six holes, and made the turn with a healthy four-shot lead. Playing in the fifth to last group after organisers maintained the third round pairings due to delays caused by rain, Bhullar nailed his fifth and final birdie on the par five 13th before enduring an anxious wait at the clubhouse. Blyth, playing in the last group, fought gallantly in his attempt for a maiden Asian Tour title, but failed to catch the winner, making a two-putt birdie at the last to secure second. Blyth, who started the final round one back, paid tribute to the winner. “The better man won today. I gave it all that I could and I am really happy with my performance and everything (but) he played better,” said Blyth, who now has 14 career top-10s. “I hit it close and I putted well but they just weren&apost dropping. I had a putt on the 16th which just stopped on the lip, so it wasn&apost meant to happen.” Australian Darren Beck also had a superb final day, posting a seven-under 65 to come in at 15-under overall alongside compatriot Marcus Both (69). Scott Hend (67) was a further stroke behind, while Jason King (68) and Rick Kulacz (66) finished at 13-under overall.