Mukesh proves age is just a number

KOCHI: Mukesh Kumar badly wanted to drive a point and he did it in style by emerging triumphant in the PGTI Cochin Masters on Saturday at Cial Golf & Country Club, Nedumbassery.
His failure to make the cut for the first time in 10 years during Golconda Masters at Hyderabad two weeks ago had left him disappointed. But the 49-year-old bounced back in the Kochi leg to beat defending champion Shubhankar Sharma of Gurgaon and another veteran Rahil Gangjee of Kolkata by two-shot margin.The newly crowned champion fired six-under-66 on the final and fourth round to triumph with a total of 14-under-274.
The only pro in the country to win over 100 titles, Cochin Masters is Mukesh's 120th title. He also became richer by Rs 8.25 lakh, the biggest purse in his over three-decade-old career. The effort has placed him on the top spot in the Rolex Rankings.
His closest rival, Shubhankar, 18, was not even born when Mukesh turned pro way back in 1984. Not just Shubhankar, the young crop of golfers including Gaganjeet Bhullar, Indian No.2, S Chikkagarappa and Kahlin H Joshi of Bangalore and Rahil were given a run for their money by this veteran whose first title came at Jodhpur (on browns) in 1989.
Overnight joint leader with Rahil, Mukesh showed his intention on the 16th with a chip-in birdie to be in contention with Rahil. On the 17th, Mukesh landed his tee shot just two feet from the pin for another birdie to take lead by two even as Rahil dropped a stroke.
For Rahil (72-71-65-68) too, 17th turned out to be decisive as it led to a bogey and he conceded the lead to eventual winner. Shubhankar (69-68-73-66), fifth overnight, also had a bogey-free 66 but fell to finish tied second with Rahil.
For the record, Cochin Masters title is Mukesh's 16{+t}{+h} title on the PGTI, the most by any player on the tour.
"It (the title) has come after a long time," were his first words after he won the title. The last title was in 2013 at Chandigarh.
Speaking to STOI after presentation ceremony, Mukesh, said that he wanted to send a message all across that experience still counts. "Shubhankar was doing well, Rahil who was in my bunch was also doing better but when it came to crunch situation, I cantered home while others crumbled under pressure. That's what experience gives you over the years. Be cool and be calm on tight situations. This shows that I can compete with the best even at this age," he insisted.
"The 16th and 17th was the turning point. The chip-in on the 16th kept me in the game and then I was glad to hit that tee shot on the 17th to go ahead. I hit some really good wedge shots to win a few birdies. The triumph which will be among the best is also a huge morale-booster."
Khalin and Sri Lankan Anura Rohana secured tied fourth place at nine-under-279 while Chikkarangappa , was a further two shots behind in sixth place.
Kapurathla's Bhullar woke up with a stiff neck but still played and shot a final round of eight-over-80 to be tied 19th at one-over-289.