Nazir clinches Pakistan Open Golf title

Matloob follows in second, Imran secures third place.

KARACHI: Experienced golfer Mohammad Nazir clinched the 42nd Pakistan Open Golf Championship, winning the professional title by four strokes as the event concluded at the Defence Authority Country and Golf Club yesterday.    

Nazir, who gained the lead in the penultimate round, maintained his form to fire a two-under-par 70 on the final day for an aggregate of seven-under-par 281 in the four-day competition.

“I made special preparations for this mega event,” said the Islamabad golfer after winning the tournament that offered the biggest prize money of Rs5 million.  “I see this triumph as a boost for my career and I’m thrilled at the achievement.”

Matloob Ahmed, who impressed during the opening two rounds, ended second with a three-under-par 285.

“I lost concentration,” said Matloob. “Nazir played the last two rounds very well and deserved the win.”

Meanwhile, DHA’s Imran Ali Khan ended third after with an unimpressive total of one-under-par 287. Another seasoned golfer, Mohammad Munir faltered in the final round with four-over-par 76. He finished joint-fourth with Mohammad Afzal with an aggregate of 290.

Shabbir Iqbal, who was defending his title, finished with a total of 292, securing joint sixth position with Waheed Baloch and Ansar Mehmood.

Meanwhile, Waseem clinched the amateur event with the seniors’ title going to Hasan Akbar.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 29^th, 2013.