India’s Anirban Lahiri reeled off four birdies in his first five holes and held on down the stretch for a one-stroke victory over Bernd Wiesberger to take his first European Tour title by winning the Malaysian Open Sunday.
Lahiri had vaulted into contention the day before with a tournament-low ten-under 62, and followed up with a final-round 68 for the win.
Lahiri began the day five strokes behind third-round leader Wiesberger, who had shot to the top of the boards Saturday with a European Tour personal-best nine-under 63 at the tricky Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club.
But on the par-five fifth hole Sunday, Wiesberger chunked his third shot into a water hazard for a costly double bogey, opening the door for Lahiri.
The Indian charged through with his early birdie blitz. Despite a couple of later bogeys, he fended off the faltering Wiesberger, who suffered three bogeys on the back nine to card a two-over 74 for the day
England’s Paul Waring and the second round co-leader Spain’s Alejandro Canizares finished two strokes behind Wiesberger in a tie for third on a breezy yet scorching day.
England’s Lee Westwood had held the co-lead after each of the first two days and remained in the hunt when the final round started.
What an incredible weekend #MMO2015!! One I will always cherish. Still cant believe it! #ProudToBeAnIndian #MissionAugusta
— Anirban Lahiri (@anirbangolf) February 8, 2015
But his chances of defending the title he won last year crumbled as he posted a disappointing 75 to end in a four-way tie for fifth, five strokes back of Lahiri.
Westwood, who has won the tournament twice and seems to play some of his best golf in Asia, is notably comfortable with the Malaysian Open course’s undulating fairways.
But after a strong start, his birdie count dropped each day while several other golfers seemed to get hotter.
