Kuala Lumpur: A red-hot Shubhankar Sharma of India fired 10 birdies for a remarkable 10-under-par 62 to claim a stunning two-shot victory at the US$3 million Maybank Championship yesterday.
At the age of 21, the talented Indian overcame a four-shot deficit with a dominant display to clinch his second Asian Tour and European Tour title with a winning total of 21-under 267 in windy conditions at the Saujana Golf and Country Club.
In his fourth start since winning the Joburg Open in South Africa in December, Sharma produced a sensational final round where he made five birdies in each half which included clutch birdie putts on 17 and 18.
He defeated co-overnight leader Jorge Campillo of Spain, who eagled the opening hole before returning with a 68 to settle for second place. Pablo Larrazabal and Ryan Fox of New Zealand finished in third place after posting identical 66s.
"I played pretty solid and it wasn't easy because it was windy," Sharma, who jumped to the top of the Race to Dubai Rankings, said after the win.
"I kept pushing the whole day. I knew I had to make a lot birdies to catch the leaders. I made a lot of birdies on the front nine and just continued on the back."
Campillo went two clear at the top with an eagle in the first hole but Sharma got within touching distance of the Spaniard with four straight birdies from the fourth.
The relentless Indian shot five birdies on the back nine to edge ahead of Campillo and hung on for the victory.
"The last two months have changed my life," said Sharma, who took home the $500,000 winner's cheque after becoming the first Asian to win the third edition of the event.
"I've always dreamt of winning and now I'm a two-time winner on the Asian Tour and European Tour."
Khalin Joshi of India, who was Sharma's roommate this week, finished in a share of fifth place alongside Japan's Ryo Ishikawa, Hideto Tanihara, Nino Bertasio and world No.47 Dylan Frittelli of South Africa.
Phachara Khongwatmai was the best Thai performer after shooting a final round 72 to finish tied 17th on 13-under 275. Panuphol Pittayarat (68) was a stroke further back at tied 23rd.
