The win carries substantial weight for Sharma, as it boosts his season earnings to ₹30,93,550 and guarantees his entry into the prestigious DP World India Championship. Reflecting on his journey, the teenager noted the significance of winning on the same course where he once watched professionals compete as a junior in 2021. “To have watched the professionals here as a youngster, then compete on the same course and now win a title is difficult to put into perspective,” Sharma said.
A Hard-Fought Victory
Entering the final day with a four-shot lead, Sharma faced immediate pressure as his round fluctuated with seven birdies, four bogeys, and a double bogey. The most testing moment arrived at the par-four 13th, where a double bogey threatened to derail his campaign. However, Sharma responded with immediate resilience, sinking consecutive birdies on the 14th and 15th holes to regain control. He credited his composure on the final green, noting that a crucial lag putt on the 18th was instrumental in securing the win.
Amardeep Malik provided the primary challenge, pushing Sharma until the final hole. Malik carded a four-under 66 to finish as the runner-up at 20-under 260. His final round was highlighted by an eagle on the par-five sixth, alongside six birdies, two bogeys, and a double bogey. Meanwhile, Akshay Sharma delivered a standout performance, matching the course record with a 10-under 60. His spectacular round, which included an eagle and 10 birdies, vaulted him into a tie for third place at 19-under 261 alongside Honey Baisoya.
Tournament Standings and Notable Performances
The leaderboard remained competitive throughout the final day. Angad Cheema secured fifth place at 15-under 265, while Ajeetesh Sandhu finished one stroke behind in sixth. Rashid Khan and Kshitij Naveed Kaul shared seventh position at 13-under 267. Defending champion Jamal Hossain of Bangladesh concluded the tournament in a tie for 30th at two-under 278, though he provided a highlight for the week by recording a hole-in-one on the par-three third, marking the fourth ace of the event.
