Karlberg of Sweden overtakes Baek on back nine to win Indian Open

Rikard Karlberg of Sweden shot a 2-under 70 Sunday to win the Indian Open after overnight leader Baek Seuk-hyun of South Korea faltered on the final day.

Karlberg’s 11-under total of 277 put him two shots clear of Baek, who only managed a final-round 73.

The Indian duo of Manav Jaini and Shiv Kapur tied for third, while five players were another stroke back in fifth.

Karlberg said he was confident because he had won another Asian Tour event, the SAIL Open, at the same course earlier this year.

“I feel so comfortable when I am here,” said the 24-year-old golfer. “The putting was just unbelievable in the SAIL Open but here, my chipping and bunker shots were really good.”

Baek, who led the field for two days, said a missed putt on the first hole and some bad tee shots pushed him off the pace.

“I was really nervous until the par 5, where I made an eagle when I was co-leader, but I bogeyed the 16th,” said Baek, who secured his Asian Tour card for next season. “Rikard played really good the last two holes for those birdies.”

Among the Indian challengers, the little-known Jaini impressed and even led the field for a brief period on the last day. He was 11 under at one point, but let the opportunity slip with back-to-back bogeys on the 16th and 17th that dropped him to 39 on the back nine.

“I am very disappointed,” he said. “I was 11 under, Rikard just finished with 11 under. Going on the back nine, I would have put money on myself to shoot level par,” he said. “I guess it’s the pressure of big events.”

Kapur said he was aiming for a score of 11 under.

I gave myself a lot of opportunities and it was nice to finish with two birdies to move up the leaderboard,” he said. “Overall it is nice to finish on a good note and post a high finish.”