Dhaka: Md Zamal Hossain Mollah of Bangladesh delighted the home crowd after he returned a three-under 69 to win the American Express Bangladesh Open 2012 at the Kurmitola Golf Club in Dhaka. Zamal, who had won the 2009 edition of the tournament while he was still an amateur, captured his second Bangladesh Open crown on Friday as he totaled 11-under 277 for the week. Zamal’s compatriot Md Siddikur Rahman, Bangladesh’s numero uno, finished three strokes behind in second position. Zamal’s victory on Friday earned him his first title on the PGTI (Indian Golf Tour) as a professional.
Md Zamal Hossain Mollah (71-65-72-69) came home the winner on his home course thanks to a final round of 69 that included four birdies and a bogey. The 27-year-old Dhaka-based golfer, who was the joint overnight leader, had a splendid start to the round as he birdied the first hole courtesy an excellent four-iron approach shot.
Mollah consolidated his position on the front-nine as he chipped his way to birdies on the third and seventh. Zamal’s chip from the edge landed just a foot away from the pin on the seventh hole. He suffered his first setback of the day when he dropped a bogey on the ninth after missing a three feet par putt. Zamal’s amazing tee shot on the 12th earned him yet another birdie. He ensured there were no further hiccups as he made pars on the last six holes and stayed ahead of his nearest challenger Siddikur.
Zamal said, “I concentrated on my game and did not look at the leaderboard too often even though Siddikur and Mukesh were giving me a tough fight. My chipping was fabulous through the week and I also played some great approach shots. This is a huge win for me as it is my first title as a professional and that too on my home course.
“This victory gives me a big boost in confidence since it has earned me an exemption on the PGTI till 2014-end. I will now play with a relaxed mind and seek to raise my game further in the coming months. I would like to thank my caddie Liton for his huge contribution towards my success. I would also like to thank the Bangladesh Golf Federation and the Kurmitola Golf Club for all the support that they have given me in the last few years.”
Md Siddikur Rahman (66-73-70-71) added to the joy of the local supporters as he bagged second place after firing a one under 71 which featured five birdies against four bogeys. The 27-year-old Asian Tour regular totaled eight under 280 for the event.
Mukesh Kumar of Mhow bagged third place after shooting a 67, the day’s best score. Mukesh totaled seven under 281.
Delhi’s Shamim Khan and Chandigarh golfer Abhijit Singh Chadha grabbed a share of fourth place at five under 283.
Bangladeshi amateur Sajib Ali took home the trophy for the best amateur score. Sajib, the only amateur to make the cut this week, carded a 71 in the final round to total four over 292. Sajib secured tied 15th place.
