Title eludes Himmat Rai, finishes tied 3rd

Himmat Rai's dream run in the Iskandar Johor Open did not culminate in his maiden Asian Tour title and the 22-year-old Indian golfer finished tied third to pocket $5,150 -- biggest cheque of his career.

Overnight leader Rai brought home a modest two-under 70 to finish with a 54-hole aggregate of 15-under 201 as KJ Choi (196) orchestrated a sensational late charge to win the title with a sizzling eight-under 64.

Burly Thai Chapchai Nirat (200) came second after a sterling 66 in the weather-hit event that was reduced to a 54-hole tournament.

Among other Indians in fray, Anirban Lahiri's (206) third round of 68 earned him a top 10 finish at ninth, one shot ahead of Rahil Gangjee (tied 15th).

Rising star Gaganjeet Bhullar (210) came tied 24th, four shots ahead of compatriots Ashok Kumar, C Muniyappa and Jyoti Randhawa who share the 47th place.

Digvijay Singh finished tied 56th at 215, one stroke ahead of SSP Chowrasia (62nd).

Himmat had a rather sedate front nine with the third hole bogey sandwiched between birdies as the golfer took the turn at one-under.

On his way back, Himmat birdied the 11th, 14th and 15th but dropped a shot each on the 13th and the final hole to settle for a two-under card and share the third spot with defending champion Retief Goosen.

Despite missing his maiden Asian Tour title after coming so close, Rai was not too unhappy since it was his best finish this season.

"It feels good and satisfying to know that I played so well. Overall it has been a great tournament for me. Playing with K J Choi and the things that I learnt from him is unbelievable. His concentration is very good and he hit some really great shots," said Rai.

"Having played so well, I'm much more confident about my game. I'm just looking forward to playing more on the Asian Tour and playing my heart out," added the Indian.

Choi's was a flawless round on Sunday, with the Korean beginning with a birdie hat-trick and draining five more strokes for a title-winning total.