You are in > manchester.com  > News > Atwal's return to Malaysian Open ends in playoff glory

Golf

Atwal's return to Malaysian Open ends in playoff glory

09/03/2008

Arjun Atwal has won the Malaysian Open after a playoff victory over Peter Hedblom, five years after his last appearance at the Kota Permai Golf and Country Club.

The Indian, who won the PGA-sponsored tournament in 2003, held par on the second sudden-death hole to defeat Swedish champion Hedblom, who shot one-over.

Atwal had put himself in contention for the winner's fund after carding an eight-under-par final round of 64, tying him in first place on 18-under for the tournament overall with Hedblom.

He told reporters after the playoff that his second victory in Malaysian was "an amazing feeling".

"I don't know how to put it into words. To come here and win this title twice now is incredible," he explained.

"I didn't think I had a chance starting out and just relaxed from the first hole."

Hedblom, who was forced to contend a playoff after going round in 71 on the final day, said he had put in a "good defence" of his title.

"You are never happy when you lose and I thought I had a good chance to win. I am proud of myself for the way I defended my title and the putts I holed coming in," the 38-year-old said.

Britain's Simon Dyson settled for third place with Australia's Kane Webber after they both finished on 17-under overall.

Italian Francesco Molinari was a further shot behind, with South Africa's Charl Schwartzel, India's Jyoti Randhawa, Argentinean Daniel Vancsik and Briton David Lynn sharing sixth place.