Anirban Lahiri finishes third in Selangor Masters

Anirban Lahiri

Selangor (Malaysia), Sep 21 (IANS)

Indian golfer Anirban Lahiri had to settle for third place, two behind the play-off duo - Chapchai Nirat and Antonio Lascuna - following a final round 68 at the Worldwide Holdings Selangor Masters here Sunday.

Lahiri battled hard but failed to find the extra birdie towards the end to join the play-off.

Lahiri was the leader after the first two rounds but a stomach bug saw him drop to fourth on the third day.

"I'm playing well. There's no doubt in my mind I'm playing well. I was very close to putting it together this week. I've just got to be careful with what I eat. I love the food in Japan which is usually quite healthy," said Lahiri.

The Indian golfer said that poor putting cost him dear.

"I really tried hard out there. Didn't putt very well and you can't win tournaments if you don't putt well. Really disappointed although I'll finish third. Disappointed with how it turned out which is a big let-down for me. It's still a good week and I'm still playing well. Next week would be a good week to win," Lahiri said.

"I thought when I birdied 17, I got to 9-under and if could birdie 18, that would give me a good chance. One of the good advantage on this course is if you post a total like Antonio, it puts a lot of pressure as 16, 17 and 18 is very difficult to play. I thought if I could join Antonio I would have a chance. But I missed the fairway on 18 and that's a shot gone right there."

Thailand's Nirat calmly holed a four-foot par putt to beat Filipino veteran Lascuna in the first play-off hole to secure his fourth Asian Tour victory.