Indian Open: Fitzpatrick holds off Chacarra for breakthrough win

GURUGRAM: Let us first praise the Spaniard for whom it was not meant to be. For a while, it was deja vu with Eugenio Chacarra, Hero Indian Open winner last year, in combat mode, recovering from every backward step to take the turn three strokes ahead of the chasing pack.

He already knew the DLF G&CC’s final treacherous stretch would require precision, focus, and a rub of the greens for him to celebrate a rare double.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!And then, golf hit its refresh button. It wanted a new story, a new hero, a new life to change.Alex Fitzpatrick emerged from the shadows with a putting masterclass in the $2.55 million event while the favourite Madrid man faltered. It was a final-day threeover for the 26-year-old, who resigned to fate after his late aggression left a trail of errors.

And a three-under for the understated Englishman, who pushed on smartly, trembling a bit, until the final release of emotions on the 18th. A day earlier, Fitzpatrick turned in a fighting even-par card to stay within four strokes of the leader, and dwelled on topics much more important than golf.

Like the value of a close-knit family. Alex’s more illustrious older brother Matt, the 2022 US Open champion, who won the Valspar Championship on the PGA Tour last week, had always been a hard act to follow.

On Sunday, the 27-year-old stepped into his own.With Alex’s maiden DP World triumph, the Fitzpatricks became the first pair of brothers to win on both tours in successive weeks. “It can be hard sometimes when you’re constantly chasing someone’s accolades but luckily it’s my brother. I idolise him so just trying to be like him in every way,” said the Sheffield native.It has been a hard slog. This season also, his results traced a gradual climb, with a missed cut, then a tie for 23rd, 14th, sixth before resolving into a win.The final day, and the final holes at DLF, had altered many scripts. With three consecutive birdies, Fitzpatrick caught up with Chacarra on the 13th, only for the Spaniard to nose ahead with his reply.The gauntlet was thrown. A par for a par on the notorious 14th; then, the 15th threw a spanner in the works, or maybe an iron. There was a two-stroke swing as the Englishman took the lead with his birdie as the Spaniard two-putted for a bogey.

Chacarra’s game unravelled, and Fitzpatrick had the luxury of a double bogey on the 18th, a tap-in to win by two strokes. “I’m proud of you,” shouted his caddie, as the champion buried his face in his palms in disbelief.There was Moet & Chandon champagne sprayed by his Tour mates. As he gathered his breath, he was asked how he was going to celebrate. “With a can of CocaCola,” he smiled.Teenager Manoj best IndianTeenager Manoj S. emerged as the top Indian, finishing tied for 43rd at 10-over with OP Chouhan. Manoj secured the honour based on a superior final-round score.