Shamim beats Gaurav in play-off, retains title

Seasoned golfer Shamim Khan of Delhi got the better of Noida's Gaurav Pratap Singh in a nail-biting play-off to retain the title at the IndianOil Servo Masters Golf tournament here on Saturday.

Shamim (70-70-65-74) had edged out Veer Ahlawat in a playoff last year at the Digboi Golf Links and he repeated the feat for the second year in succession after Gaurav (72-68-69-70) took him into the playoff.

After the two golfers were tied at the top at nine-under-279 following the regulation 72 holes, Shamim beat Gaurav on the third extra hole to pocket his third title in Digboi and secure his 16th win overall.

"This win comes as a huge relief for me as I've been struggling with an upper back injury since the start of the second half of the season. The injury has improved slightly but still gives me trouble. I've somehow played through it as the upper back isn't much of a factor in golf.

"With this win I can look forward to steady progress in the money list over the remaining three events of the season."