Joakim Haeggman wins $500,000 HSBC India Legends golf championship

Joakim Haeggman played hard for an even par 72 on the third and final day to emerge champion in the $500,000 HSBC India Legends golf championship at the Jaypee Greens on Sunday.

The challenger Jeev Milkha Singh, who had caught up with the leader after the first hole of the day, played a gracious host subsequently, as he went into the water for a triple-bogey on the 18th hole.

The Swede finished with 9-under 207, capturing the champion’s purse of $74,250, beating Andrew Marshall of England_who came up with the best card of 7-under 65 this day_by two strokes. Marshall won $49,000.

Jeev with 4-over 76 on the final day, slipped to 4-under 212 overall, for the joint third place with Thomas Gogele of Germany. The prize was $29,725.

“I had one mistake today and that got Jeev and the boys back into the tournament. I am really happy that I managed to keep it going,”, said Haeggman.

Jeev was happy with the tremendous response by the players in making it a memorably competitive event, and congratulated Haeggman.

“I have known Haggy for years. He played beautifully today,” said Jeev.

Jyoti Randhawa played 2-over 74 for an overall 2-under 212 that placed him joint ninth with three others including Adilson Da Silva of Brazil. He won $12,137.

Mukesh Kumar who has won around 125 titles on the domestic Tour, climbed to the 15th spot to pocket $8,500, with an even par 216.

“It has been more than 10 years since I last played here. I enjoyed myself. The greens were difficult for two days, but I was able to adjust,” said Mukesh, who scored a 2-under 70 on the final day.