Sri Lankan golfer N. Thangaraja clinched a thrilling victory at the Chennai Open 2025, battling through a tough final round to win by just one stroke. The Rs 1 crore Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) event took place at the scenic Cosmo TNGF Golf Course in Chennai, drawing top talent from across the region.
Thangaraja, a 44-year-old from Colombo, started the day as the leader with a one-shot edge. He carded a gritty 73 in the final round—marked by high scores due to tricky pin positions—and finished at 17-under 271 for the tournament (69-66-63-73). This marks his sixth PGTI title and second win this season, boosting him from 12th to sixth on the 2025 PGTI Order of Merit. He pocketed a cool Rs 15 lakh winner’s cheque for his efforts.
In a nail-biting finish, Noida’s Amardeep Malik, Delhi’s Shaurya Bhattacharya, and Gurugram’s Manu Gandas tied for second place at 16-under 272. Malik fired a strong 66 on the last day, capped by an eagle on the 18th—his second runner-up spot this season. Gurugram’s Honey Baisoya rounded out the top five with a 14-under 274 total.
Thangaraja didn’t have the smoothest start, opening with five pars and a bogey on the sixth. Meanwhile, rivals like Bhattacharya and Gandas grabbed early birdies. But Thangaraja stayed steady, hitting greens in regulation and sinking two-putt pars up to the 14th hole. His momentum shifted on the par-3 15th with a perfect tee shot and a clutch five-foot birdie putt, putting him back in the lead.
Even with a bogey on the 16th, Thangaraja held firm as his challengers faltered. He sealed the Chennai Open golf triumph with a key six-foot par putt on the 18th. This victory feels extra special—Thangaraja was runner-up here in 2022 at the same Cosmo TNGF course.
Reflecting on the win, Thangaraja said, “The pin positions today were the toughest all week, which is why scores were so high. I’m thrilled to finally grab the trophy at one of my favorite courses—I came so close three years ago. I stuck to my plan: hit the greens and two-putt for pars since birdies were tough. That 15th birdie gave me a boost, and I just knew it was my day. With two wins this season, I’m aiming even higher now.”
Malik’s low round of 66 stood out, but Bhattacharya cooled off after birdies on the first four holes, ending with bogeys and a 71. Gandas also started hot but dropped shots from the eighth, finishing with a 73.
The Chennai Open 2025 showcased some exciting PGTI action, highlighting rising stars and veterans like Thangaraja in Indian professional golf. Fans are already buzzing about what’s next on the tour.
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