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India has produced three Order of Merit champions with pride of place going to Jeev Milkha Singh, who has won the accolade twice, Arjun Atwal and Jyoti Randhawa.
"I'll try to win the Order of Merit this year. This win has put me in a good frame of mind but I'll need to win the big events which will be the goal for the rest of the year," said Bhullar who sits on top the first Order of Merit for 2010 after bagging US$47,550 for his win.
Bhullar underscored his immense talent at the Suwan Golf and Country Club to produce a scintillating course record on the last day. His four-day total of 11-under-par 277 of was a stroke better than runner-up Hwang Inn-choon of Korea. While Bhullar was delighted with his victory, he admitted that luck played a role in his triumph as overnight leader Kiradech Aphibarnrat of Thailand faltered after a final round 73."I'm glad and I'm lucky that it came my way. Starting the day, I thought Kiradech was going to win as he's a great talent and a good ball striker. I guess I'm lucky the golfing gods were with me," said the Indian.
"I feel amazing. I have no words to describe, I'm totally speechless. When I woke up this morning (Sunday), I just wanted to shoot a good number. I never ever thought I am going to shoot a 64 and win by one. It's like a dream coming true. My first event of the year and winning at the start of the year will give me a lot of confidence."
Kiradech, who ended his campaign at the Asian Tour International in tied fourth, is determined to bounce back and enjoy a winning breakthrough on Tour after coming close on two occasions.
"Last year, I learned how to manage my game plan on the Asian Tour. When I was an amateur, I would just hit the shot, without thinking about OB or water hazards. I find that I'm thinking a lot better on the golf course. I've won twice on the local tour, so the goal is to try and win one on the Asian Tour this season," said Kiradech who was also in contention in Malaysia last year only to finish second.
Hwang, who claimed US$32,550 for finishing second, lies one spot below Bhullar on the Order of Merit while Japanese Tetsuji Hiratsuka Hiratsuka is in third on US$18,300.
Kiradech and Jbe Kruger of South Africa share fourth place on US$13,545.
The Asian Tour heads to India for this week's €1.5 million (approximately US$2.1 million) Avantha Masters which is tri-sanctioned between the Asian Tour, European Tour and Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI). The event starts at the DLF Golf and Country Club on Thursday.
ORDER OF MERIT - TOP-20
1. Gaganjeet BHULLAR (IND) $47,550
2. HWANG Inn-choon (KOR) $32,550
3. Tetsuji HIRATSUKA (JPN) $18,300
4. Jbe KRUGER (RSA) $13,545
4. Kiradech APHIBARNRAT (THA) $13,545
6. Piya SWANGARUNPORN (THA) $8,810
6. Ted OH (KOR) $8,810
6. LIN Wen-hong (TPE) $8,810
9. David JOHNSON (USA) $5,746
9. Antonio LASCUNA (PHI) $5,746
9. Lucas LEE (BRA) $5,746
9. Kenichi KUBOYA (JPN) $5,746
13. Pariya JUNHASAVASDIKUL (THA) $4,518
13. LAM Chih Bing (SIN) $4,518
13. Varut CHOMCHALAM (THA) $4,518
16. Hideto TANIHARA (JPN) $3,804
16. Sattaya SUPUPRAMAI (THA) $3,804
16. Angelo QUE (PHI) $3,804
16. Thammanoon SRIROT (THA) $3,804
16. Mars PUCAY (PHI) $3,804
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